Pediatric Infection Preventionist

Bio:

Carolyn Caughell brings over a decade of expertise to her role as a Pediatric Infection Preventionist (IP) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). During her tenure spanning 12 years at UCSF, she has been a lead Pediatric IP for Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco.  Collaborating closely with medical and hospital leadership, Carolyn has helped implement the best infection prevention protocols.  She is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of patient care and adherence to evidence-based practices and published guidelines.  Specifically, Carolyn has focused on pediatric surgical site infection (SSI) prevention and the meticulous reprocessing of reusable medical equipment, consistently aligning procedures with manufacturer’s instructions for use (MIFUs).   Before working in Infection Control, she worked at Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA within their Hospital Research Institute and as a Neonatal Nurse in the NICU.  

Carolyn is deeply engaged in the fields of infection prevention and public health, holding active memberships in both SHEA and APIC. Her commitment to advancing these causes is evident through her roles, including serving on the SHEA Public Policy & Government Affairs Committee (PPGA) and the CDPH Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) Advisory Committee.  In recognition of her dedication and expertise, Carolyn was honored with the prestigious 2023 SHEA Advanced Practice Infection Preventionist Award. Building upon her achievements, she has taken on the pivotal role of Chair for the CDPH Public Reporting and Public Education HAI Advisory Subcommittee, where she continues to drive impactful initiatives forward. 

What’s your ideal weather?    

My ideal weather is overcast with a light drizzle of rain.  

What brought you to healthcare? Can you tell us about your professional journey?  

As a child, I was quite accident-prone and often found myself in the ED. Through these experiences, I saw firsthand the vital role nurses played in patient care. Their compassion, skill, and dedication had a profound impact on me, inspiring my desire to make a difference in others' lives through healthcare. 

What do you like to do outside of work?  

Outside of work, I enjoy coaching my kids’ soccer and basketball teams.  

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