FEBRUARY 25
Some of you may have noticed my report
was missing from last month’s edition. I
was enjoying the Three Capes region of
Tasmania. One of my mindfulness techniques
to disconnect and refresh is counting laps
while swimming (I have been told by many
friends that they couldn’t think of an activity
more boring than swimming). I also enjoy
hiking, especially when it involves overnight
stays in tents or huts. Hiking the Three
Capes was a fantastic way to feel refreshed,
especially as the Tasmanian weather was very
kind, with a heat wave bringing highs of 24
degrees! I even have proof of the fantastic
weather (see picture below). I hope you also
managed to get some well-earned rest during
the Christmas period and reconnect with
yourself and loved ones. I realise that it is not
always possible in our line of work and in this
relentless pandemic.
Being in Tasmania also provided the
opportunity to visit the ACIPC oce and work
with Ben Thiessen, our Executive Manager.
The following week the Board met face to
face for two days and we have great things
coming in 2025 for members, the College and
the broader IPC community. We examined our
strategic plan, and mapped progresses towards
achieving our goals. I think we should be proud
of where the College is and the leadership we
are showing to improve IPC and outcomes for
the community.
I have also been watching with interest
(and worry) what is taking place in the USA
following the investiture of the new President.
I am not going to get into politics, but some of
the decisions and appointments made so far
make me fear we may regress in the advances
we have made to control infectious disease.
One of the first decisions of the new
administration was to put a hold on the
publication of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report (MMWR) published by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. I have
long been an avid reader of that publication,
and although publication has now resumed,
such decisions may have a negative impact
on IPC. The Association for Professionals in
Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
has raised concerns about decisions such
as the dismantlement of the epidemics
intelligence service, and the potential impact
of the USA withdrawing from the World Health
Organization.
There are challenging times ahead and while
I aim to be optimistic, we need to be mindful
of these decisions and what the impact they
may have on Australia. Challenging times can
be very unsettling. I have mentioned these
resources from the Black Dog Institute before
and they can assist us with being kinder to
ourselves and dealing with some of these
challenges.
Support can also come from mentors, and we
had great feedback on the 2024 mentoring
program. Keep your calendars handy to pencil
in the launch of the 2025 mentoring program,
and also the many webinars and SIG meetings
that we are planning this year. We have a
dynamic calendar in the works to facilitate
knowledge exchange and networking.
Finally, I value your input and if you have
suggestions, feedback, or ideas on how we can
further enhance ACIPC, please don't hesitate
to reach out. Your insights are integral to our
ongoing commitment to excellence. You can
contact me at president@acipc.org.au.
Thank you for your continued support of
ACIPC, and I look forward to a year filled with
shared successes and growth.
Stéphane Bouchoucha
President’s report
Stéphane Bouchoucha
Welcome to the February 2025
edition of IPC News.
IPC NEWS | FEB 25
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