#26 The Fungus Among Us- Candida Auris

Fungi exist all around us from yeast and mushrooms to rust and mold. One species of fungus, Candida auris, is particularly problematic especially for hospitalized patients and Long-Term care residents. Join us as we discuss the challenges for this specific fungus species with expert guests Jessica Arias, BSN, RN, CIC, and Shaunté C. Walton, MS, CIC.

Hosted by:

Silvia Quevedo, CAE

About our Guests:

Jessica Arias, BSN, RN, CIC

Jessica Arias, BSN, RN, CIC, is a Nurse, Infection Preventionist, and the Infection Control Assessment Response (ICAR) Lead with New Jersey Department of Health, Communicable Disease Service. In her 15+ years in healthcare, Jessica has practiced in a variety of settings including acute psychiatric, correctional, post-acute, and public health in various front-line nursing or leadership roles. Jessica serves as the Legislative Director in the Southern NJ APIC chapter and on the national APIC Public Policy committee. Jessica is currently pursuing her Masters in Healthcare Leadership at Western Governors University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Wilmington University, and is board certified in Infection Prevention and Control.

Shaunté C. Walton, MS, CIC

Shaunté Walton, MS, CIC, is the Health System Director of Clinical Epidemiology & Infection Prevention at UCLA Health. She is responsible for oversight of the infection prevention program of all inpatient hospitals and 200+ ambulatory clinics. Shaunté is a trained Molecular Microbiologist and has over thirteen years of Infection Prevention experience, including pediatric and women’s services, adult and pediatric transplant services, oncology, neurology, critical care, heart and vascular services, rehab services, and orthopedic services. She has a proven record of healthcare associated infection reduction. Most recently, overall infection reduction efforts at UCLA Health were highlighted in the following award application: Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals and U.S. Best Hospitals for Infection Prevention Award in 2021.