Transmission Interrupted

This episode of Transmission Interrupted dives deep into the fascinating world of seasonal special pathogens, exploring the reasons why certain infectious diseases emerge and surge at specific times of year. Host Jill Morgan is joined by Dr. Susan McLellan and Dr. Lindsay Busch, two experts in infectious diseases and biocontainment, for a captivating discussion on Nipah virus and Lassa fever.

From emergency rooms filled during flu season to the quirky, unexpected ways that bats and rodents drive outbreaks in far-off regions, our guests break down what makes these pathogens so unique. Learn how cultural practices, environmental changes, and climate can influence the risk of transmission, and why understanding "One Health" and anthropology is vital for outbreak control.

Perfect for clinicians, public health enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how diseases move through populations, this episode offers practical insight into recognizing risk factors, travel histories, and how global disease surveillance impacts communities everywhere.

Packed with real-world stories, unexpected facts, and expert advice for spotting and responding to these high-consequence infections, this episode is not to be missed.

Subscribe to Transmission Interrupted for more episodes and resources: netec.org/podcast

Questions or ideas for future shows? Email us at [email protected].

Lindsay Busch, MD

Assistant Professor, Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine

Associate Medical Director, Emory University Serious Communicable Diseases Unit

Critical Care Liaison, Emory Serious Communicable Diseases Program

Susan McLellan MD, MPH

Director, Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, and Education (SPECTRE)

University of Texas Medical Branch

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

Resources

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Abbey Lowe, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the lead for the Special Pathogens Research Network (SPRN) Work Group One. Together, they break down the often-overlooked world of clinical research in special pathogens response—demystifying everything from Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to the essential preparedness required for rapid research and ethical problem-solving during outbreaks.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, researcher, or just curious about what happens “behind the scenes” when new pathogens emerge, this episode is packed with insight. Abby Lowe offers a candid look at how networks like NETEC and SPRN prepare to blend the slow, methodical processes of research oversight with the urgent demands of outbreak response. The conversation also highlights the importance of ethics, patient consent, rapid protocol development, and how future expansion to more treatment centers might change the game.

Tune in to learn how unglamorous but vital groundwork in research and ethics lays the foundation for saving lives—and improving care—when it matters most.

Abbey Lowe, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the College of Allied Health Professions, Department of Allied Health Professions Education, Research, and Practice, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a UNMC Global Center for Health Security Scholar.

She is affiliate faculty of Medical Humanities at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Abbey’s interests are at the intersection of ethics, health policy, and health security, and her research focuses on ethics in public health emergencies. Her research is grounded in mixed methods research leveraging her expertise in conducting structured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and facilitation. Abbey’s work has been published in the AMA Journal of Ethics, the Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, and the Journal of Public Health Policy, among others.

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at NETEC.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit NETEC's Consultation Services.

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan explores the high-stakes world of EMS preparedness with guests Matt Sasser and Alex Isakoff. Get an inside look at what it really takes to be ready for anything—from unexpected emergencies on the road to transporting patients with high-consequence infectious diseases.

The team shares real stories, expert insights, and lessons learned from hands-on drills, large-scale exercises, and unique scenarios. Discover the importance of the "staff, stuff, and space" mantra, why iterative training makes the difference in crisis moments, and how building a culture of preparedness through practice ultimately keeps both EMS providers and patients safe.

Whether you're a frontline responder, hospital clinician, or simply interested in public health, this conversation unpacks the challenges and triumphs of special pathogen preparedness—and why cultivating expertise, collaboration, and ongoing support is essential for communities everywhere.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

NETEC EMS Workgroup Co-Lead

Executive Director for Health Security

Professor of Emergency Medicine

Emory School of Medicine

Alex Isakov’s Emory University Profile

Medical Director, MedSTAR Transport

Medical Director, Baltimore Ravens M&T Bank Stadium

Emergency Physician, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

Matt Sasser’s MedStar Health Profile

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Dr. John Horton, Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory, to explore one of the most challenging intersections in healthcare: special pathogens and pregnancy. From emerging threats like Ebola and Marburg to familiar concerns like measles and chickenpox, they dive deep into what makes caring for pregnant patients so uniquely complex in the face of infectious diseases.

Join us for a candid and insightful conversation on the evolving best practices for labor and delivery in high-risk situations. Dr. Horton shares lessons learned on the front lines, why compassion and humanity matter as much as protocol, and practical advice on infection prevention, disaster drills, and protecting both patients and healthcare workers.

Whether you’re in obstetrics, infectious disease, emergency preparedness, or just curious about what makes pregnancy and pathogens such a tough clinical challenge, this episode is packed with fresh insights and actionable takeaways.

John Patrick Horton, MD, MBA

Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs

Gynecology and Obstetrics Department

Emory University

Dr. John Horton is the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Emory University’s Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. He also serves as Emory Healthcare’s Division Director for General Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Interim Operations Director for the Gynecologic Specialties Division. Additionally, Dr. Horton is the Director of the Obstetric Rapid Response Team at Emory Healthcare and is Associate Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Emory Healthcare

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan gathers the core Education & Training Team from NETEC to pull back the curtain on how they create timely and practical resources for healthcare professionals facing special pathogens. Join Jill, along with Sharon Vanairsdale Carrasco (Director of Education), Benjamin Mattson and Jason Noble (Instructional Designers), Michael Konomos (Medical Illustrator), and Britton Clark (Project Manager), for an engaging conversation about what it takes to turn expert-driven knowledge into accessible, actionable training.

Hear how the team prioritizes urgent topics, adapts to ever-changing demands, and keeps materials up-to-date and user-focused. Get insider perspectives on the collaborative process, the creative use of medical illustration, and how NETEC strives to meet healthcare workers where they are. Whether you’re an educator, clinician, or just curious about emergency preparedness and infection control, this episode offers an inspiring look into the power of teamwork and the importance of supporting frontline staff with the best education possible.

Have suggestions for future content or resources? The team wants to hear from you! Contact NETEC at [email protected].

Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

NETEC, Director of Education and Training

NETEC Project Manager, Education & Training

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Michael Konomos MS, CMI

NETEC Medical Illustrator and Visual Designer

Benjamin Mattson M.S.Ed

NETEC Instructional Designer

Jason Noble BA, BFA

NETEC Instructional Designer

Host

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

In this important episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan is joined by a distinguished panel of experts to provide a comprehensive update on respiratory illness trends for the 2025 season. Dr. Ryan Maves (infectious diseases and critical care medicine, Wake Forest University), Dr. Kari Simonson (pediatric infectious diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center), and Dr. John Horton (clinical affairs, gynecology and obstetrics, Emory University) share the latest data and evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers and the public.

The discussion covers the full spectrum of respiratory viruses currently impacting our communities, including influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and pertussis. The panel addresses the unique risks facing infants, children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into current vaccine guidance, the role of updated testing strategies, and protective measures that go beyond vaccination—such as proper mask use, respiratory and hand hygiene, and the importance of source control and eye protection.

This episode offers practical guidance for both healthcare workers and the public as we enter another busy respiratory virus season. Drawing on real-world experience and the latest research, our guests emphasize steps we can all take to reduce transmission, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain safety in both clinical and home settings.

Guests

John Patrick Horton, MD, MBA

Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Emory University

Dr. John Horton is the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Emory University’s Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. He also serves as Emory Healthcare’s Division Director for General Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Interim Operations Director for the Gynecologic Specialties Division. Additionally, Dr. Horton is the Director of the Obstetric Rapid Response Team at Emory Healthcare and is Associate Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Ryan Maves, MD, FCCM, FCCP, FIDSA

Professor in Infectious Disease and Critical Care Medicine

Office of Global Health

Wake Forest University

Dr. Ryan Maves is a Professor of Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he serves as medical director of transplant infectious diseases and as a faculty intensivist at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine, he entered active duty in the U.S. Navy in 1999. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowships infectious diseases and critical care medicine at Naval Medical Center San Diego. During his military service, he served as the flight surgeon for Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN embarked onboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73), at the Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 in Lima, Peru, conducting preclinical and clinical studies in antimicrobial drug resistance and vaccine development, as director of medical services at the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, and as ID division chief and fellowship director in San Diego. He retired from active duty in 2021 and joined the faculty at Wake Forest.

He is the chair of the ABIM Critical Care Medicine Examination Board, co-chair of the SCCM Congress Program Committee, and Chair-Elect of the Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network in CHEST, as well as deputy editor for outreach for the journal CHEST and contributing editor for Critical Care Explorations. He is an author of over 150 scientific manuscripts, 15 textbook chapters, and 100 conference abstracts and invited lectures. He lives in Winston-Salem with his wife, Robin, whom he met in the traditional manner (in the ICU, next to a ventilator), and their three children, Astrid, Robert, and Jonathan.

Kari Simonsen, MD, MBA

Professor, Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Chair, Department of Pediatrics

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Kari A. Simonsen, MD, MBA, is the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Pediatrician-in-Chief of Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. She is a tenured Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and led for over a decade as division chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease at UNMC. She also served as Hospital Epidemiologist of Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, NE from 2013-2020 and as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs at UNMC from 2018-2019. Kari received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and her MBA at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She completed pediatric residency at Indiana University, and fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Brown University. Her research interests include pediatric infection prevention, hospital preparedness, and pediatric clinical trials in antimicrobial drug discovery and vaccines. Kari is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and a member of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

Host

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan dives deep into the world of personal protective equipment (PPE) for EMS professionals. Jill is joined by Chad Bowman, Nurse Manager for the Johns Hopkins Lifeline Critical Care Transport Team, and Elizabeth "Liz" Lenz, Captain with Denver Health Paramedic Division. Together, they tackle the unique challenges EMS teams face in keeping themselves safe from infectious diseases while working in unpredictable environments.

From recognizing when PPE is needed on a call and picking the right ensemble, to training, burnout, and the impact of environmental conditions—Jill, Chad, and Liz share real-world stories and valuable insights. They explore topics like adapting PPE to unpredictable situations, fostering a culture of safety and preparedness, and what operationally sound means for EMS agencies of all sizes. Plus, they offer practical advice for building PPE proficiency and keeping frontline workers protected.

You’ll hear about the importance of communication, the role of ongoing training (even on a budget), and why no two EMS agencies are the same when it comes to getting PPE right. Whether you’re in EMS, hospital-based care, or just passionate about healthcare worker safety, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and relatable stories.

Tune in for an engaging, insightful conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what it means to stay safe on the frontlines.

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

 Chad Bowman MSN, RN, CFRN, NR-P

Chad has dedicated 20 years to emergency services, bringing a wealth of experience in emergency medical services (EMS), critical care, trauma, resuscitation, and transport nursing. He also has nine years of involvement in preparedness and response activities for biocontainment care and the transport of patients with suspected or confirmed high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID).

Currently, Chad serves as the Nurse Manager for the Johns Hopkins Lifeline Critical Care Transport Team and the Director of Transport Operations at the Johns Hopkins Special Pathogen Center. He oversees the daily clinical operations of the Lifeline team and manages HCID transport operations. Additionally, Chad contributes his expertise as a Subject Matter Expert on the NETEC EMS Biosafety Workgroup.

Elizabeth (Liz) Lenz, BS, NREMT-P

I am an experienced EMS leader and paramedic with over a decade of service at the Denver Health Paramedic Division, currently serving as Captain. I specialize in emergency response operations, team leadership, high-risk infectious disease transport, and large-scale special event medical planning. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently taken on roles requiring critical decision-making, personnel management, and strategic coordination within complex healthcare systems.

With dual degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology and a Certificate in Paramedicine, I bring a strong foundation in both the science and human dynamics of emergency care. I'm a Nationally Registered Paramedic and certified by the State of Colorado and American Heart Association in ACLS, PALS, and BLS.

In addition to EMS, I have a background in executive support, event planning, and nonprofit development—having served the Colorado Department of Education and the CU Foundation in roles focused on logistics, stakeholder engagement, and operations management.

My strengths include effective communication, adaptability, and a passion for continuous improvement. Whether managing high-pressure 911 calls or coordinating public health responses, I remain driven by a deep commitment to patient care and public service.

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Angie Vasa—one of NETEC’s seasoned experts in special pathogens preparedness. Together, they take a deep dive into the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Preparedness Checklist: a practical, accessible tool designed to help any healthcare facility—from small rural clinics to large urban hospitals—prepare for the challenges of identifying and caring for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases.

Angie unpacks what sets special pathogens apart, walks through the checklist’s design, and explains how it’s tailored for frontline healthcare workers who need clear, actionable steps—even if they’re not disaster response experts. She and Jill explore how the tool aligns with Joint Commission standards, who should complete it, and what to do if gaps in preparedness are identified.

You’ll gain practical insights into early identification, isolation, PPE, communication strategies, and more. Whether you’re an infection preventionist, emergency nurse, hospital administrator, or anyone involved in preparedness, this episode offers valuable tips to help you get ready for the “what if” moment—because ready or not, patients will come.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

Angie Vasa, MSN, RN

Angie Vasa is the Director of Biopreparedness and Special Pathogen Programs at Nebraska Medicine. She serves as the Director of Consulting Services and Metrics Development at NETEC and is the Program Director for the Region 7 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center.

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, join host Jill Morgan and special guests Syra Madad, Darrell Ruby, and Tim Scholten for a practical, nationwide look at drills and exercises in special pathogen preparedness. The group breaks down the difference between drills and exercises, shares real-world stories from hospitals across the U.S., and offers advice on implementing effective, HSEEP-compliant training—even with limited resources. Whether you're new to emergency management or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable tips on building readiness, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring the safety of both staff and patients. Don’t miss the inside scoop on "mystery patient drills," the importance of flexibility, and how to turn every simulation into real-world improvement.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

Chief Biopreparedness Officer

NYC Health + Hospitals

Regional Coordinator

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital

RESPTC Program Manager

Corewell Health

CDC: Notes from the Field: Response to a Case of Travel-Associated Lassa Fever — Iowa, October–November 2024

FEMA: Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program

NETEC: Special Pathogen Mystery Drill Toolkit Drill, Functional & Full-Scale Template

NETEC: Special Pathogen Readiness Tracer

NETEC: Joint Commission Standards for High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) Infection Control Resources

NETEC Exercise Templates

NETEC Resource Library

NETEC website: NETEC.org

Transmission Interrupted: netec.org/podcast

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan of Emory University Hospital is joined by Jade Flinn from Johns Hopkins Hospital and waste management experts Ashley Perry from Daniels Health, and Alex Chapman and Cara Simaga from Stericycle. Together, they unpack the practical and regulatory challenges of managing “Category A” infectious waste generated during the care of patients with special pathogens like Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fever.

Drawing from real-world experience, including a recent Lassa fever case, the panel explores communication breakdowns, the complexities of regulatory compliance, and the critical importance of cross-functional preparedness. They clarify what qualifies as Category A waste, how it differs from routine medical waste, and the meticulous multi-step process required for safe containment, packaging, and disposal.

The discussion also highlights key takeaways from recent Joint Commission standards, the necessity of engaging waste vendors before an incident occurs, and actionable strategies to reduce risk—from the patient’s bedside to final disposal.

Packed with practical guidance and expert insight, this episode is a must-listen for infection prevention, emergency preparedness, and clinical teams aiming to stay ready, protect staff, and safeguard their communities.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Stericycle

Director of Operations, Special Pathogens Center, Biocontainment Unit

The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Director, Hazardous Waste Services

Daniels Health

Cara Simaga, CHMM

Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs

Stericycle

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

About This Episode

This episode of Transmission Interrupted, a NETEC podcast, was recorded April 10th, 2025. Produced and edited by Benjamin Mattson. Additional support provided by Britton Clark, Veronica Lavarro, Jason Noble, and Lisa Stone.

Special thanks to our guests and the subject matter experts at NETEC for their insight and guidance.

This podcast is supported by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.

For more information, tools, and training on special pathogen preparedness, visit netec.org. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in to Transmission Interrupted.