Margaret Cameron

I became an Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner in November 2010 at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Ontario. IPAC Canada, which was called CHICA at that time, hosted the conference in Toronto in May of 2011. I attended the full day session for the Novice Practitioner on the Sunday. All the presentations were excellent in providing support to me in my new role. Yet the most important thing I learned that day and have always tried to keep as my north star, was delivered during lunch. Grace Volkening shared stories of her first conference and the value of networking as well as tips on how to be an effective ICP. The most important advice she provided was that you can not do IPAC from your desk. You need to be on the units to see what is happening and be available to interact with staff and patients. Physically rounding on my units has helped me build relationships with front line staff, increased my ability to influence behaviours, and raised awareness about IPAC. The theme of that 2011 conference was innovation, inspiration, and influence. These themes have endured and is what IPAC Canada delivers to its members. In our busy lives we may not take the time to appreciate the associations we belong to. As IPAC Canada celebrates its 50th Anniversary, it is the perfect opportunity to stop and reflect on how much we have gained from having this association to advocate, educate and support us in our profession. Happy 50th IPAC Canada.