Legendary sterile processing educator Stephen Kovach is learning something new in retirement—artificial intelligence. In this episode, we talk with Steve about his new AI passion project and how AI can be used to simplify data reporting, address water quality and spotting issues, and support smarter staffing decisions, including the value of employing newly certified technicians. As always, it’s a fun and insightful conversation with an industry legend.

What is a competency? Why do we need them? And how do we get started creating them? For new leaders in sterile processing, these are some of the most important questions to ask. Competency development is a required element in sterile processing departments and a critical building block of a well-run department. In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of competency development and share practical tips and tools to help you build and implement effective competencies in your department.

Can something as small as lint affect patient safety in the operating room? In this episode, Dr. Wava Truscott shares her detailed research on lint and its role in the perioperative process. We’ll explore how dust and lint particles could influence patient recovery—and what steps can be taken to reduce these risks.

In this episode, Adam is joined by Amy DeGraw, HSPA Clinical Educator, to discuss why recognizing Sterile Processing professionals shouldn’t be limited to one week a year. They explore how ongoing appreciation impacts mental health, strengthens department culture, and share practical ideas to help your SP team feel valued every day.

In this episode, Kevin and Adam sit down with Healthmark’s own Ralph Basile to discuss how he got his start in the family business, what it’s like working alongside his brothers, and where his passion for standards work comes from. Don’t miss this extended interview with an industry legend who’s helped shape the world of sterile processing!

We’ve hit 150 episodes! 🎉 In this special milestone edition of Ask the Educator, we’re celebrating by answering your most frequently asked questions — the ones we’ve heard in our inbox, at conferences, and everywhere in between.

Join us as Kevin & Adam reflect on how far we’ve come, share insights from the journey, and look ahead to what’s next.

Thank you for being part of the Ask the Educator community — here’s to the next 150 conversations that keep learning and excellence at the heart of sterile processing!

What are the latest trends and changes in flexible endoscope processing, and what is the most recent research and data telling us? In this episode, we’ll catch up with Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock to recap her September 2025 webinar on what’s new in the world of flexible endoscopes, and get her insight into some of the issues in the industry and some practical advice for addressing them.

If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the field of sterile processing, this episode is for you! We’ll share how we each got our start in the industry, offer practical tips for getting your foot in the door, and highlight common mistakes to avoid when applying for your first SPD job. Whether you’re a student, a job seeker, or just curious about this vital role in healthcare, tune in for insights and inspiration to kick-start your sterile processing career!