John Delano is in his second year of the DrPH program at USF’s College of Public Health (COPH), where he is excited to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in infection prevention. And he knows firsthand the difference infection prevention can make—not just professionally, but personally.
While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in microbiology, he contracted influenza A and was hospitalized. During his stay, he developed a multidrug-resistant bacterial infection.
Delano said it was then that an infectious disease physician and an infection preventionist took the time to compassionately explain the illness, the precautions in place and how those steps kept him and others safe.
“Until then, I didn’t know infection prevention was a profession,” Delano said. “Those conversations turned a difficult moment into a career calling. That experience didn’t just change my plans; it set my course.”
His research while a student at the COPH focuses on bridging the gap between technological advances, like AI-driven outbreak detection and the readiness of infection prevention (IP) teams to implement them. He said he is also exploring how all people can have a fair and just opportunity in health care-associated infection (HAI) prevention and the epidemiology of emerging pathogens such as Candida auris.
In addition to his doctoral studies, Delano currently serves as multi-site director of Infection Prevention for Advocate Health (Illinois division).
Delano uses engaging educational games to highlight transmission risks and prevention strategies during C. diff awareness month. (Photo courtesy of Delano)
Recently, Delano’s leadership and impact were recognized nationally with the Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC) designation, one of the highest honors in the field.
“FAPIC recognizes sustained excellence and impact across practice, leadership, research and service,” Delano explained. “It’s honestly not an endpoint, but rather a commitment to give back what others gave to me.”
Delano displays an interactive hospital table during C. diff awareness month. (Photo courtesy of Delano)
The designation required maintaining Certification in Infection Control (CIC), documenting leadership contributions, publishing and presenting work, and submitting a peer-reviewed portfolio. For Delano, the honor is both humbling and motivating.
Personally, this recognition validates the teams and mentors who invested in me at the start of my career. Professionally, it’s a call for me to raise the bar for myself—mentoring others, advancing the science of infection prevention and ensuring equitable, sustainable outcomes.
John Delano
Looking ahead, Delano sees pressing challenges in infection control, from burnout among IP professionals to the ongoing threat of multidrug-resistant organisms. Through his DrPH research, he hopes to prepare the next generation of infection preventionists, create career pathways into the field and design practical frameworks for AI adoption.
“FAPIC opens doors to national-level collaboration and influence,” he said. “It positions me to contribute to guideline development, implementation science and policy advocacy that strengthen infection prevention infrastructure.”
When asked what advice he would give to others aspiring to attain advanced credentials, Delano emphasized consistency and contribution.
“Start with CIC, document your work and don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ to contribute,” he said. “Work towards leading or co-leading initiatives, publish or present your lessons learned and document its impact. Seek mentors, volunteer with APIC through committees or task forces and invest in your own growth. While formal education does help, it’s also consistency and service that have impact. The field needs different voices and perspectives. Credentials reflect a body of work over time, not a single achievement.”
Delano credits a long list of mentors and colleagues, from his early days at UF Health to his current colleagues at Advocate Health and APIC, for shaping his career. “This recognition reflects all of their investments in me,” he said.
For Delano, the FAPIC designation is more than a credential. It’s an obligation to lead, to mentor and to leave the field stronger for those who follow.