Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when microbes – viruses and bacteria – develop resistance to drugs or disinfectants and render them ineffective. Microbiologically contaminated surfaces then serve as fomites. If left undisturbed, bacteria and viruses can form biofilms on the fomites. These biofilms may allow microbes to survive for hours, weeks, or even months. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of resistant environmental bacteria, exacerbated recently due to increased disinfection efforts to fight the pandemic.
The CDC and WHO have both declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats.
To raise awareness about the concern presented by antimicrobial resistance and biofilms, we hosted a virtual panel discussion featuring experts in microbiology and risk mitigation.
Enter your contact information below to watch the replay from the virtual event!
Rodney E. Rohde, PhD is a Regents’ Professor, Texas State University System, University Distinguished Professor and Chair for the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Program in the College of Health Professions at Texas State University. He also serves as Associate Director for the Translational Health Research Center. Dr. Rohde is a Global Fellow, Fellow of the Association of Clinical Scientists, and Honorary Professor of International studies. He is an ASCP board certified Specialist in Virology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology. He spent a decade as a public health microbiologist and molecular epidemiologist with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Bureau of Laboratories and Zoonosis Control Division prior to his academic career, including two terms as a CDC Visiting Scientist. Dr. Rohde served as Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health Professions for nine years (2011-20). His research interests include Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance, and clinical / public health microbiology especially zoonotic diseases (Rabies, Hantavirus, and others). He also continues to enjoy his role as an Associate Adjunct Professor of Biology with Austin Community College (28 years) where he teaches fundamentals of biology and microbiology courses.
John Scherberger, BS, FAHE, CHESP, CMIP, is the principal at Healthcare Risk Mitigation in Spartanburg, SC. Healthcare Risk Mitigation is a consulting enterprise that assists healthcare, laundry, hospitality, and other professionals in enhancing their operations through education and the incorporation of industry Best Practices into their operations through Risk Mitigation, improvement of healthcare laundry operations, healthcare Environmental Services, and hospitality housekeeping operations, Infection Prevention processes and practices, Personal Care professionals and guest interactions and processes.
He is a Fellow of the Association for the Healthcare Environment (FAHE), T-CSCT, and VPEI from the AHE. Further, John is on the boards of The Pearce Foundation for Scientific Endeavor and the Environmental Services Optimization Playbook (EvSOP) program. He has 13 years in the hospitality and food service management industries and 22+ years in healthcare management and consulting. John is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Certification Center of the American Hospital Association. He is a past board member of the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) and the South Carolina Chapter of the AHE.
Mr. Scherberger is a recognized subject matter expert in Healthcare and Hospitality Environmental Services, infection prevention and control, the manufacturing process of microfiber, on-site generation of Electrolyzed Water, food services safety and hygiene, commercial healthcare laundries, biofilm production and its impact on patient outcomes. He is also highly trained and experienced in Critical Incident Stress Management, emergency preparedness, and contract management.
Daniel Lawson spent over a decade in the medical device industry, earning unparalleled insight into the intricacies of our health care environment and some of the biggest needs yet to be addressed. Daniel partnered with Viking Pure’s co-executive team to introduce a disruptive, patent protected, and environmentally-conscious technology to transform cleaning and infection control in commercial facilities across a wide range of industries. He is dedicated to creating a movement to remove TOXIC CHEMICALS from the environment and to challenge the status-quo of what it means to truly clean and disinfect safely, sustainably and effectively.
