APIC Honors West Virginia Infection Prevention Expert With Its Highest Award

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) announced that Teresa “Terrie” Lee, RN, MS, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, director of infection prevention and employee health at Charleston Area Medical Center, will receive the Carole DeMille Achievement Award for her innovative contributions and exceptional leadership in infection control.

The award, which will be presented during the opening session at APIC’s 45th Annual Conference, June 13-15 in Minneapolis, is given annually to an infection preventionist who best exemplifies the ideals of Carole DeMille, a pioneer in the field of infection prevention and control (IPC).

“We are honored to recognize Terrie’s many accomplishments with this award,” said Janet Haas, PhD, RN, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC, 2018 APIC president. “Terrie has not only served as a trusted leader in the field of infection prevention, but her innovation in surveillance and risk assessment has contributed to advancing a culture of patient safety.”

Lee’s career in IPC has spanned 38 years, with her leadership in APIC nearly as long. Beginning as a member of the APIC West Virginia Chapter, she served as Chapter President in 1985-86. Nationally, she served on a number of task forces and committees, culminating in her service as the 1995 APIC President. She served six years on the Certification Board of Infection Control, and as its president in 2011. She has served as a consultant for APIC Consulting Services since 2009. Lee led the development team for the APIC Program of Distinction, as well as the creation of the Standards of Excellence for Infection Prevention and Control. Lee is also very dedicated to serving the international infection prevention community, serving as the current chair of the International Federation of Infection Control.

Lee is a nationally recognized leader on surveillance and risk assessments, and has authored numerous articles on the topic, including the hallmark “Recommended Practices in Surveillance,” published in the American Journal of Infection Control in 2007. As someone who has loved to assist others with learning, Lee has frequently taught infection prevention and control courses and workshops, making presentations at local, state, national, and international levels. She also serves as a member of the West Virginia State Healthcare-Associated Infection Control Advisory Panel.

Lee’s contributions to the field have been extensively recognized. In 2016, Lee was recognized in the inaugural class of Fellows in APIC. She leads the team that received the Quality Award for outstanding performance and commitment to reducing HAI rates from the West Virginia Medical Institute in 2014. She also won the “Hot Shot” Award from the West Virginia Immunization Network for special achievement in healthcare worker immunization in 2010. And recently, Lee was recognized with a Nursing Excellence award by her hospital.

Source: APIC