Baljinder Sidhu

Attending my first IPAC Canada conference felt like coming home. The sense of connection, community, and shared purpose instantly inspired me to get involved. That experience sparked my engagement with the IPAC BC chapter, where I began building relationships and learning from colleagues who truly understood the challenges and rewards of infection prevention and control.

Through ongoing involvement, I gathered valuable insights, tools, and leadership experience. As IPAC BC Chapter President, I organized education sessions, led meetings, and collaborated with provincial stakeholders. These opportunities deepened my understanding of IPAC principles and helped me develop strong facilitation, communication, and systems-level thinking skills.

The knowledge and leadership experience I gained through IPAC have directly enhanced my work as a Public Health Manager. I’ve applied what I’ve learned to support interdisciplinary teams, design effective education strategies, and improve program planning and delivery. IPAC helped me hone my ability to respond to emerging issues with clarity and evidence-based decision-making.

What began as a way to connect professionally has grown into something much more. My IPAC journey has shaped how I lead, engage, and influence in my current role. The national connections I’ve built continue to inform my approach, and serving on the IPAC Canada Board—and as Chair of the Programs & Projects Committee—allows me to give back to a community that has been foundational to my development. The skills, confidence, and perspectives I gained through IPAC are now deeply embedded in my leadership as a Public Health Manager.