Honoring Those Who Shape the Future: Nominate the 2025 ICT Educator of the Year

Every infection prevention professional remembers their mentor—the voice that taught them how to follow protocols and why they mattered, the steady hand that guided them through their first gloved procedure, and the fierce advocate who reminded them that patient safety begins long before a diagnosis and continues long after a discharge.

At Infection Control Today (ICT), we believe that educators are the backbone of infection prevention. They build the foundation for every safe practice, sterile tray, and protected life. That is why we are proud to announce the third Infection Control Today Educator of the Year^TM Award for 2025, and we need your help to celebrate the individuals shaping the next generation of infection prevention heroes.

We caught up with the 2024 ICT Educator of the Year, Shahbaz Salehi, MD, MPH, MSHIA, to hear how this recognition has shaped his journey and to inspire others to nominate the next leader in education. With over 20 years of experience, Salehi’s transition from a sterile processing (instrument) technician to a visionary leader in infection control showcases his dedication to improving health care education and nurturing the next generation of infection preventionists.

Who Qualifies as an Educator?

This award is not necessarily given to someone who lectures or teaches in a classroom. It honors those who teach daily: someone who teaches as they do rounds or prioritizes learning in their facilities. Education happens in more places than just the classroom; it happens on the facility floor; in the sterile processing, environmental services, or other hospital department; and in ambulatory services or any other place where infection prevention is practiced.

We are seeking champions who arrive early to review the whys behind the wipes; who teach hand hygiene scrupulously, how to clean each instrument effectively, or which product to use on the floors; and challenge students to think critically and act compassionately. Whether nominees work in a medical facility, trade school, university, or online, if they are formally or informally preparing the next generation of infection prevention personnel, we want to hear about them.

Nominate Someone Who:

• Instills passion for infection prevention in students and peers
• Champions real-world safety and up-to-date adherence
• Embodies the spirit of continuous learning and accountability
• Inspires others with creativity, compassion, and commitment

What We Need From You
Send us a brief narrative, no more than 500 words, describing how your nominee is making a difference through teaching, mentorship, leadership, or advocacy. Include specific examples of their impact, any innovative teaching strategies, and why their work deserves national recognition.

Nominees must have at least 15 years of experience and demonstrate significant achievements and positive impacts in their field. Nominations should be submitted by a fellow infection prevention professional and be as detailed as possible. Give an example of the nominee demonstrating the characteristics of an Educator of the Year. A list of their accomplishments and awards alone is not enough.

Nominations for the 2025 award will be accepted from August 1, 2025, until October 31, 2025. The winner will be notified by December 2, 2025, and announced on the Infection Control Today website on December 5 and in the January/February 2026 print publication.

To nominate someone, visit the Infection Control Today Educator of the YearAward nomination web page and complete the form. The award aims to celebrate the dedication of those who tirelessly educate and promote infection control and prevention.

Abbreviated rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest begins on August 1, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT and ends on October 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT. Open only to legal US and Guam residents, 18 years or older. Subject to Official Rules. See the Official Rules for eligibility, prize descriptions, restrictions, and complete details. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: MultiMedia Medical LLC.

The recipient of the 2025 Infection Control Today Educator of the Year Award will be featured in a special print and digital profile celebrating their achievements, passion, and influence.

Deadline for nominations: October 31, 2025.
Submit your nomination here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VFRZW55

Let’s spotlight the people who make infection prevention a mission. Join us in honoring the teachers who empower, the mentors who inspire, and the educators who protect us all—one student, one patient, one lesson at a time.