Larissa Ditmore CIC, WMRMC’s Manager of Infection Prevention and Employee Health and Education, recently achieved an International certification in her field: certification through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. For our community, this is far more than just a title; it represents a crucial step in ensuring our hospital is protected by the highest standard of expertise.
While her certification showcases top-tier knowledge, we know that true expertise is fueled by purpose. Larissa, an RN with decades of experience, was surprised when she took the job in 2023 by just how involved Infection Prevention is, from construction and water flow to everyday health protocols. This realization, that our lines of defense are both broad and fragile, motivated her to seek the highest level of proficiency.
After four months of intense study, Larissa earned the certification in Infection Control, a professional milestone that empowers her to be extremely strategic and effective in execution. Obtaining this certification is one more step towards Larissa’s ultimate goal to move beyond simply sustaining past efforts and instead to create a "living, breathing infection prevention program." This vision is at the core of our greater mission. She explained to us that this is so vital because of the complexity of the system we operate in. For instance, when a dedicated staff member leaves, the decades of knowledge they possess walk out the door with them. We often take for granted the protection that experience offered to infection prevention. Her ultimate goal is focused on mitigating risks like these by creating repeatable, sustainable evidence-based processes across every department. This ensures that every effort, from Plant Services to the clinical staff, is quantified, understood, and strategically aligned with our healing purpose.
In short, this certification means Larissa is building a foundational program that ensures the safety and quality of care will not just be maintained, but constantly improved. Larissa's drive and desire to build a stronger, more durable program for our community is the ultimate example of what we value. It demonstrates the kind of passion and strategic foresight we are committed to investing in here at WMRMC. We admire her dedication and are honored to work alongside professionals whose personal ambition so perfectly aligns with our mission to Empower a Healthier Community.