System Epidemiologist, Medical Director, Infection Prevention & Control (EHC)

Overview

Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.

 

At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide:

• Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1 • Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs • Family-focused benefits • Wellness incentives • Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs • And more Work Location: Atlanta, GA

Description

The Medical Director, Infection Control & Prevention and EHC Epidemiologist, Emory Healthcare (EHC) is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing and advancing the system-wide infection control and prevention program. This leader will ensure the highest standards of safety and quality of care for patients, staff, and visitors across Emorys hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

 

Reporting to the Chief Quality Officer, EHC, this role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of infectious diseases, infection control best practices, and the ability to drive strategic initiatives that align with the EHC mission and vision.

 

The person will also have an academic appointment at Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease with clinical responsibilities and a reporting line to the Director of the Division of Infectious Disease in the Department of Medicine.

 

1. Leadership and Program Development:

- Partner with the Corporate Director, Infection Control, EHC to drive strategy and best practices across the system

- Develop, implement, and oversee EHC comprehensive infection prevention and control program

- Establish and monitor adherence to system-wide infection prevention standards that comply with CDC, APIC, SHEA and other national guidelines

- Collaborate with leaders across clinical, nursing, and operational areas to drive a culture of safety and accountability for infection control practices

- Lead and provide direction to the OU entity hospital epidemiologist to implement best practices and attain standardization

- Provides clinical guidance and leadership to EHC Hospital Epidemiologists and Infection Prevention Managers

 

2. System-Wide Infection Control Oversight:

- Serve as the expert on infection control and prevention, providing leadership during infection outbreaks and emerging health threats

- Conduct root cause analyses and risk assessments to address and mitigate infection risks throughout the Emory Healthcare system

- Develop the necessary protocols and support resources for all EHC facilities (both inpatient and outpatient) to respond effectively to infectious diseases outbreaks

- Collaborates with Clinical Microbiology Laboratory leadership regarding the appropriate use of laboratory tests, antibiotic susceptibility reports, and assessment and implementation of new laboratory technologies as related to Infection Prevention

- Provide oversight and direction of the antimicrobial stewardship for appropriate use and healthcare associated infection to eliminate healthcare associated infections

- Catalyzes innovation and builds supporting capabilities

 

3. Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:

- Lead efforts to meet or exceed all regulatory requirements and standards related to infection control from agencies such as CMS, The Joint Commission, OSHA, and state health departments

- Develop and implement internal audit processes to monitor compliance and address any gaps in infection control and prevention practices

- Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies on infection control matters, advocating for EHC practices and compliance

- Provides oversight, updates and approves all hospital policies pertinent to Infection Control and Prevention

- Provides oversight of surveillance activities and investigations as well as serves as a liaison to regulatory agencies as well as local, state and national public health officials and agencies

 

4. Education and Training:

- In collaboration with the corporate director of IPC, provide training and education to clinical and non-clinical staff on infection prevention and control best practices, emerging infectious diseases, and safe practices to prevent transmission - Serves as a subject matter advisor regarding Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention-related issues related to patient and employee safety, quality, critical care, special populati