A Conversation With the President: Arlene Bush Reflects on Conference Highlights and the Year Ahead

The 2025 Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Annual Conference and Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of progress, connection, and vision. Arlene Bush, CRCST, CER, CIS, SME, DSMD, CRMST, newly inaugurated as HSPA president, described the experience as both exhilarating and humbling. Surrounded by peers and industry pioneers, Bush stepped into her leadership role with clarity and commitment.

Conference highlights included the debut of cutting-edge equipment, such as a robotic wrapper and a massive container from Asculap suspended from the vendor fair ceiling, as well as standout educational sessions that spotlighted new best practices. Notably, research-driven sessions on visible inspection and leak testing of shavers drew strong engagement, reflecting the field’s growing focus on safety and innovation.

For Bush, connecting with members was the most meaningful part of the event. From taking photos to offering guidance to first-time attendees, she prioritized making everyone feel seen and valued. “I seek out first-time conference attendees just to say hello and welcome, let me know if you need to navigate the conference.”

Looking ahead, Bush emphasized transparency, engagement, and member empowerment. She encouraged all sterile processing professionals to keep their contact information up to date and to volunteer for committees. Several exciting initiatives were announced, including the launch of a digital textbook platform and the provision of free lesson plans to members. Behind the scenes, HSPA continues to advocate for required certification, with board members meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill earlier this year.

Bush’s message to sterile processing professionals, especially those just entering the field, was simple but powerful: “What you do matters.” Her gratitude was heartfelt, serving as a poignant reminder that excellence in sterile processing directly supports patient safety.

She also emphasized that sterile processing leaders are available to encourage the newer technicians. “We have amazing leaders in our profession who we want to foster that,” Bush told ICT. “We want to bring up other good leaders, and we want to foster those people and good technicians because it's all about patient safety through sterile processing excellence. That's really what our mission is, here at the association, as well as in the profession.”

As her presidency begins, Bush invites ongoing conversation, questions from members, and collaborative growth. If the conference set the tone, the year ahead promises to be driven by purpose, education, and unity.