Infection prevention (IP) and sterile processing department (SPD) professionals are the true backbone of patient safety. Their work is often done behind the scenes, but their impact is profound. From preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) to ensuring regulatory compliance, these professionals bear enormous responsibility in increasingly complex, understaffed healthcare environments. That’s why CS Medical is investing directly in the people who make this work possible.
This year, CS Medical is awarding six scholarships to support professional development within the infection prevention and sterile processing communities: four scholarships to attend the 2026 Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Annual Conference and two to attend the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Annual Conference. Scholarship recipients will receive round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and full conference registration.
Both HSPA and APIC have long been the most important gatherings for sterile processing and infection prevention professionals. Each year, they bring together thousands of SPD and IP professionals and provide hands-on education, regulatory updates, opportunities to explore emerging research, and the chance to engage directly with manufacturers and peers who understand the realities of their work.
Jill Holdsworth, MS, CIC, FAPIC, CRCST, is a recognized leader bridging infection prevention and sterile processing, known for her expertise in safe medical device reprocessing. According to Holdsworth, “Attending national conferences is about professional development and so much more — it’s about reconnecting with family, connecting with new friends and colleagues, and learning about new technology. Nothing can replace what you take back to your work more than what you get out of going to the APIC or HSPA annual conference.”
By providing these fully funded scholarships to HSPA 2026 and APIC26, CS Medical is helping reduce the barrier that many departments unfortunately face: limited budgets for registration, travel, and continuing education.
While the HSPA scholarships have already been awarded, the APIC scholarships are still accepting applicants. APIC26 in Nashville promises to be more than a conference; it will be an immersive experience and an opportunity to connect with peers, engage with industry leaders, and gain practical tools and experience that can be implemented immediately back home. Applications are open now and must be submitted by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Recipients will be selected and contacted by Friday, April 10, 2026.
Commitment to the future
Professional conferences like APIC and HSPA are not luxuries. They are essential touchpoints for staying current in a rapidly evolving field. New guidance from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regulatory shifts, emerging pathogens, and advances in reprocessing automation are all developments that move quickly.
Continuing education is vital for healthcare professionals, which is why CS Medical has been committed to providing various avenues for professionals to access free resources. For many facilities, funding for continuing education is among the first items cut during budget tightening. CS Medical recognizes this reality and is responding with action. At its core, this scholarship initiative reflects a deeper belief: infection prevention and sterile processing professionals deserve investment. They deserve access to the latest knowledge. They deserve opportunities to grow.
By funding these scholarships, CS Medical is not just supporting individual attendees; we are seeking to strengthen the broader infection prevention ecosystem. Mark Leath, the President of CS Medical, explains, “The creation of our scholarship program is just one more piece to our continued commitment to patient safety and supporting healthcare professionals. Educational conferences are a critical part of improved healthcare, as education and knowledge are key to growth, and therefore improved patient outcomes.” The insights gained at APIC and HSPA often ripple outward and are shared with colleagues, incorporated into policies, and translated into improved patient safety practices. And in the end, that is what it’s all about: ensuring the safety and well-being of those patients who have entrusted healthcare facilities with their lives.
This is your opportunity to experience one of the most impactful conferences in your field without the financial burden. The future of infection prevention depends on informed, empowered professionals. If you’re ready to join APIC26, don’t wait. Apply by March 31, 2026, and take the next step in advancing your career and patient safety.
