By Ntani SuhNsutebu and Claire Kilpatrick
Realising you share an insight, a connection with a colleague is always exciting.
Recently, we both realised that we were well connected with the Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN) and despite their work often feeling far away from our day to day activities we both agreed that being part of this is rewarding!
“Being connected to ICAN has meant amazing experiences including presenting at their conferences, the last one being in June/July of this year, reviewing their foundational IPC course (in the last year), and contributing to the risk management and leadership module on the International Postgraduate Diploma (IPDIC) course every two years. At the conference this year in Cape Town, the sharing and learning was exceptional – the opportunity to see how infection prevention and control (IPC) is progressing across many African countries and to continue to simulate use of global level tools and resources on IPC and water, sanitation and hygiene, in support of antimicrobial resistance reduction which I have had the privilege to work in my career.”
– Claire shared.
“Volunteering as a co-opted member of the Board of Directors of ICAN has been very rewarding. This experience has provided an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the goals and vison of the organisation and how I can contribute to ensuring these are achieved. As part of the Board, I have been involved in activities such as reviewing the performance of the regional hubs, planning towards the ICAN conference, and advising on the design of various IPC training modules delivered by ICAN.”
– Ntani explained.
“In fact, I have been part of a number of societies for many years. I have played roles on society boards that I could never have imagined at the start of my career, including being part of scientific and communication committees (from the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) for UK and Ireland for many years), and have even started up a global surgical infections society alongside valued global colleagues.”
– Claire noted.
“My initial experience as a member of a society was with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) years back where I volunteered as the remote volunteering programme lead of the FIP Young Pharmacists Group and was a member of the FIP World Hospital Pharmacy Research Consortium (WHoPReC). Back in Cameroon, I chaired a local conference for Hospital Pharmacy organised by the Cameroon Young Pharmacists Group.”
– Ntani replied.
“That is amazing work and what opportunities to share with and inspire others.
It’s interesting to reflect that my commitment to volunteering with societies hasnt waned, as I feel I get as much back as I put in! My current roles include being a board member of the World Surgical Infection Society (WSIS), on the scientific committee of the International Federation for Infection Control (IFIC) and being a member of ESCMID which has brought me further publishing opportunities. Being part of such work and given all these experiences, I am excited to see what others are now bringing to such societies.”
– Claire outlined.
“Interesting! I joined IPS when I started my PhD in Scotland and as a member, I have been opportune to attend the IPS Scottish branch conference and give a poster talk at IPS conference in Birmingham (IP2024). IP024 was also a remarkable experience to meet researchers whose papers I had read, and connecting their work to real conversations made the event memorable. I look forward to becoming more involved in organisations like ICAN and IPS upon completion of my studies.”
– Ntani flagged.
Ntani and Claire’s journeys might have come at the cost of their own time, given almost all are volunteer roles, but there is no doubt they bring value, personally and professionally. Had they both not had a connection with ICAN and IPS, they might not have felt a strong connection that led to this blog.
“My main message is that I have learned a range of communication and collaboration skills from these society experiences. I have been able to meet so many people and to present and publish alongside my peers”
– Claire summarised.
“Totally agree with you on this, as a student, being part of societies offers access to knowledge, networks, and opportunities that shape both our research and our careers in the future.”
– Ntani concluded.
Societies are nothing without their members, members who bring a range of expertise and can share insights and ideas for research and other IPC activities going forward. The World Health Organization Core Competenices for IPC Professionals clearly indicate the role that societies played in developing this document and highlights the importance of collaboration for success. Claire and Ntani are both exciting to continue their journeys supporting different aspects of IPC research; society connections will remain a part of this for many years to come.
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