Welcome to the first issue of our Endoscopy Quality & Infection Prevention Newsletter. This team is made up of a wide variety of experts, including leaders in microbiology, infection prevention, endoscopy nursing, GI technicians, and sterile processing, who share a common goal: strengthening the safety, clarity, and consistency of endoscope reprocessing across every type of clinical setting.
Over the past several years, many of us have noticed a recurring challenge in flexible endoscopy: the tendency for simethicone to remain inside channels even after careful cleaning steps. While this substance is often used to support visualization, it is difficult to completely remove, may contribute to buildup that complicates reprocessing, and is a known infection risk.
The Simethicone Awareness Coalition was formed in 2025 to bring practical, evidence-informed clarity to this topic. Our multidisciplinary team aims to help the field by:
- Increasing awareness around how simethicone behaves during reprocessing
- Sharing realistic, workflow-ready strategies that teams can implement right away
- Encouraging clearer guidance and collaboration with manufacturers and standards bodies
If you subscribe to our newsletter, you’ll hear from the expert panel supporting this initiative and receive actionable recommendations, updates on clinical data, and the latest infection prevention information you can bring directly to your team. Our shared mission is to promote confidence, consistency, and patient safety in every endoscopy reprocessing workflow. We’re grateful you’re here, and we invite you to stay connected as this community grows.
In partnership for patient safety,
The Simethicone Awareness Coalition Leadership Team
Meet the Experts
Mary Ann Drosnock, DHSc, MS, RM (NRCM), CIC, CFER, FAPIC, AAMIF
Mary Ann Drosnock is a leading expert in microbiology, infection prevention, and sterile processing with over twenty years of cross-industry experience. As Head of Clinical Affairs at Healthmark Industries, she oversees education, standards development, and regulatory support, and is widely recognized for advancing evidence-based endoscope reprocessing and patient safety practices.
Betty McGinty, MSN, CGRN, CER
Betty McGinty is a Fellow in Professional Education Services at Boston Scientific, specializing in GI endoscopy and infection prevention. With over 40 years of nursing leadership, she has served as SGNA President, educator, and national presenter, earning multiple awards for her impact on endoscopy practice, education, and patient safety.
Jessica Alicdan, MPH, CIC
Jessica Alicdan is an infection preventionist with 19 years in acute care and public health. A UCSD Health leader and APIC consultant, she focuses on endoscope reprocessing, CLABSI prevention, and data-driven quality improvement. A published researcher and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, she contributes to national innovation in infection prevention.
Teri Mallard, RN, BSN
Teri Mallard is an accomplished nursing leader with over 30 years in healthcare and a deep passion for endoscopy and surgical services. As Director of Surgical Services and Interventional Platforms at Swedish, she champions safety, quality, and innovation through evidence-based practice and collaborative, patient-centered leadership.
Lela Luper, MBA-HA, CIC, FAPIC
Lela Luper is a nationally recognized infection preventionist with more than 20 years of experience. She serves on national guideline committees, contributes to CDC and APIC initiatives, and teaches APIC’s EPI and ASC courses. Her work focuses on strengthening IP programs, environmental cleaning, and sustainable quality improvement.
Tamara Behm, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, CER, CQIA, CCSVP, CAIP
Tamara Behm is an accomplished infection prevention leader and educator with extensive experience across hospitals, ASCs, and clinics. A certified expert in HLD, endoscopy, and sterilization processes, she is a published author, national speaker, and consultant specializing in regulatory readiness, quality improvement, and patient safety.
Jeri Culbertson, RN, DNP, BSN, CRCST, CER, CIC, IICRC
Jeri Culbertson is an experienced nurse and infection prevention leader with over 15 years in healthcare. As Manager of Infection Prevention & Control at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, she oversees programs across surgical services, sterile processing, and quality improvement, drawing on prior leadership roles in hospitals and health systems nationwide.
Michelle Day
Michelle Day is a veteran nurse leader with nearly four decades at Hartford Hospital. She brings deep expertise in GI endoscopy, hepatology coordination, patient safety, and clinical operations, leading high-volume procedural services and patient education with a strong focus on teamwork and consistent quality.
Lisa Fonkalsrud
Lisa Fonkalsrud is a seasoned endoscopy and ambulatory surgery leader with more than 20 years of experience, including two decades as Center Director at Tulsa Endoscopy Center. She oversees clinical and financial operations, regulatory compliance, staffing, budgeting, and risk management for a high-volume GI facility.
Kathleen McMullen, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA
Kathleen McMullen is the Executive Director of Infection Prevention and HLD/Sterilization at Mercy, overseeing programs across 45 hospitals in four states. She chairs APIC’s Corporate Director Council and plays a key role in developing national guidelines for disinfection, sterilization, and endoscope safety.
Janet Patullo, MBA, BSN
Janet Patullo is a highly accomplished nursing leader with more than 30 years of experience across acute care, long-term care, and home health. She serves as a director at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System and leads Aquinas Healthcare, known for strong clinical outcomes, regulatory excellence, and patient-focused care.
Thank you again for any support you can provide, and be sure to subscribe below for additional updates.