Anna Arifin, MD, MBA, MT, CIC

Clinical Laboratory Science has journeyed from its 1930s roots to become a cornerstone of hospital medicine—powering everything from life-saving diagnoses to advanced molecular testing. But its story isn’t just about history; it’s a roadmap for how other critical fields, like infection prevention, can build strong, standardized pathways for the next generation of professionals. Now is the time to learn from CLS’s evolution and start shaping the future of IPC.

Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.

Despite its critical role in patient safety, infection prevention and control (IPC) remains one of health care’s most misunderstood and understructured professions. While COVID-19 thrust IPC into the spotlight, the field still lacks a clear entry path, standardized training, and broad institutional recognition, leaving many professionals to learn on the job with minimal guidance.