In each issue of the Epigram, we are pleased to introduce to you a member of the Disease Prevention and Response team at SRHD. In this issue we feature longtime epidemiologist Dorothy MacEachern, MS, MPH, CIC, a dedicated employee of SRHD for 20 years. Dorothy is currently an Infection Preventionist funded by the CDC working with local healthcare facilities to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

1. Tell us about your background.
   
   My background is in food, nutrition, and epidemiology.  One led to the other.  It began with becoming a vegetarian for seven years after leaving home, which led to working at the Moscow Food Co-op, and helping to start the Farmers Market there. I went on to study nutrition at WSU, and later epidemiology at University of Hawaii, and recently became certified in infection control.
2. Describe your work at SRHD.
   
   After many years working in communicable disease epidemiology, for the last couple of years I’ve been out in eastern Washington and north Idaho doing non-regulatory assessments* of infection prevention programs in healthcare facilities. The idea is use our brains and our wealth of resources to stop transmission of infection.
   
   *These assessments use a standardized set of tools called the Infection Control Assessment and Response or ICAR and are designed for long-term care facilities, hospitals, dialysis centers, and outpatient settings. The tools assess specific facility-type domains to determine the comprehensiveness of the facility’s Infection Prevention and Control program. Participation is voluntary and is free of charge. To schedule an assessment for your facility, contact me at 509.324.1569.
   
   
3. What interests you most about communicable diseases?
   
   The many ways that we can acquire infections and the troubles they exact upon us.  I love to unravel mysteries.
   
   
4. Favorite part of your job?  Or proudest work-related accomplishment?
   
   I really enjoy helping others, especially when I can calm fear by sharing knowledge.
   
   
5. What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?
   
   My ideal day would include a combination of the following: good company, swimming/biking/hiking, getting my hands in the soil, sunshine on my face, gardenias, strong coffee/fresh food/nice wine, fireworks, a great book, and my ukulele.

For more information, Dorothy can be reached at dmaceachern@srhd.org.

For more information, visit Department of Health’s Overview of the Infection Control Assessment and Response Program