FAREWELL TO STEPHANIE, PICNET’S EDUCATION AND PRACTICE COORDINATOR

It is with mixed emotions that we share the news that Stephanie Burniston, Education and Practice Coordinator with PICNet, departed PHSA on November 8th, 2024. We are extremely sad to see her go; however, we’re also elated to continue our partnership with Stephanie in her new position as Director, Population and Public Health Division at the BC Ministry of Health. Stephanie’s infection prevention and control (IPC) expertise combined with her leadership abilities, provide her with a strong foundation to succeed in her new role.

Stephanie joined PICNet in September 2022 with an educational background in infectious diseases, and experience working in infection prevention and control. She quickly became a notable asset to the team, rapidly commencing work with PICNet to support the provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in health care settings. Stephanie supported the development of a variety of posters and knowledge translation tools and led the IPC guidance for viral respiratory illness in primary care and return-to-work guidance for health-care workers following viral respiratory illness. She guided numerous discussions and decision-making processes with multidisciplinary experts to revise or create new provincial IPC guidance for high-threat pathogens in collaboration with BCCDC and the health authorities.

Stephanie has many admirable qualities, especially her ability to forge strong relationships and foster partnerships across a variety of partners. She is highly capable of collaborating with colleagues and working alongside her teammates to develop IPC resources for the province. Stephanie is kind, insightful, and respectful towards others and we will miss having her on the PICNet team. Please join us in saying farewell and best wishes to Stephanie in her new venture.