Jim Gauthier

When I entered the field of infection control in 1988, I joined IPAC-Canada and found a mentor in Moira Walker. The Canadian Journal of Infection Control was instrumental in helping me understand this new science. Attending conferences allowed me to interact with my peers and share my microbiology knowledge through lectures and posters. Being on the Board for two different position (Technologist Representative (1992-94) and President (2011-14) allowed deeper involvement with the members and the field.

As I developed as an ICP, I realized that the member is the organization. New ideas were shared on a constant basis as new information and research came to light. I knew I had experts a phone call away through this membership.

When I was the ICP for oncology and the OP clinic, I realized I needed peers to help with this new population (to me), and I formed the Oncology Interest Group in 2002. Moving into mental health in 2003, I realized the need for peer to peer information sharing and started the Mental Health Interest Group. This allowed all of us to develop guidelines and to discuss issues. During the first SARS epidemic, I was able to allay fears and help my facility be prepared for whatever arrived at our hospital. Outbreaks in a non-acute care hospital were handled quickly with our respective knowledge gained from our ICP peers.

I discovered a knack for taking complex situations and simplifying them through stories and examples. I have tried to keep the basics of our field in front of everyone, not to be distracted by the ‘bug of the week’. I saw the introduction of RPAP, alcohol based hand rubs, screening for pathogens on admission, MRSA, VRE, and other resistant organisms and could help share information that I had obtained through this organization.