Infection preventionists are often the unsung heroes of patient safety—working behind the scenes to ensure that every procedure is as safe as possible. In this OlympusTalks episode, Jamie McGloin, Infection Prevention & Control Specialist at Olympus, and IPC consultant, Linda Dickey, bring their deep experience and unique perspectives to the forefront, offering a compelling look at the evolving role of IPs in GI endoscopy.

The episode explores practical aspects of medical device reprocessing, the importance of early collaboration between healthcare providers and manufacturers, and opportunities to improve consistency across the industry. From interpreting detailed IFUs to enhancing reprocessing workflows, Jamie and Linda highlight how infection preventionists are uniquely positioned to support safe and efficient patient care.  Listen now to learn how infection prevention is not just a background process—but a frontline defense in modern healthcare.

For more episodes by OlympusTalks, please visit olympusamerica.com/podcasts.

* This podcast has been paid for by Olympus Corporation of the Americas. The views and experiences shared are those of Dr. Linda Dickey, a paid consultant of Olympus Corporation and its affiliates. Olympus makes no representations regarding the accuracy or applicability of the content and disclaims all liability arising from its use. Product performance may vary, and techniques, instruments, and clinical decisions are unique to each facility and practitioner. Always refer to the Instructions for Use and applicable labeling for guidance, risks, and cautions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

See how we can focus on infection prevention, together. Visit this page for additional resources, services, and tools to help support infection prevention at your facility: https://infectionprevention.olympus.com/en-us/

For infection preventionists looking to deepen their understanding of endoscope reprocessing, APIC’s resource offers evidence-based guidance and practical tools tailored to your role:
https://apic.org/the-science-behind-endoscope-reprocessing/

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Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe

In this insightful episode of the OlympusTalks podcast, Host Tom Salemi of DeviceTalks explores the powerful partnership between physicians and Clinical Applications Specialists (CAS) in the field of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Joining the conversation are gastroenterologist Dr. Julie Yang, an early adopter of EUS, and Melissa Elliott-Walker, a seasoned CAS with Olympus. Together, they unpack the critical role CASs play in supporting physicians—from training staff and optimizing imaging to supporting procedural outcomes and patient care.

Dr. Yang shares how Melissa’s expertise helped elevate her practice from the ground up, describing EUS as “the truth” in diagnostic imaging. The episode dives into how EUS has evolved from a diagnostic tool to a therapeutic powerhouse, offering minimally invasive options for patients and playing a pivotal role in diagnosis and staging. Melissa brings her decades of experience in radiology and ultrasound to life, explaining how proximity and precision make EUS the gold standard for pancreatic imaging.1 She also introduces the emerging potential of shear wave elastography in liver diagnostics.

For more episodes by OlympusTalks, please visit olympusamerica.com/podcasts.

* The views and experiences shared are those of Dr. Yang, a paid consultant of Olympus Corporation and its affiliates. Product performance may vary, and techniques, instruments, and clinical decisions are unique to each facility and practitioner. Potential complications that may be associated with endoscopic ultrasound include, but are not limited to, the following: sore throat, infection, bleeding, perforation, and/or tumor seeding (when EUS-FNA or FNB is performed).

1. Salom, F., & Prat, F. (2022). Current role of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer. World journal of gastrointestinal endoscopy, 14(1), 35–48. https://doi.org/10.4253/wjge.v14.i1.35 Accessed July 2025.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:

Connect with your local CAS. They are ready to support your EUS practice and help you enhance patient care. For more information, visit: info.olympusamericamarketing.com/eus-cas

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Enjoy this podcast? Follow OlympusTalks on all major podcast players: https://olympustalks.castos.com/subscribe + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode.

Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe

In this moving episode of the OlympusTalks podcast, host Tom Salemi of DeviceTalks explores the topic of pancreatic cancer. The episode features Rich Burde, Director of Marketing in EUS Solutions at Olympus, alongside special guests, pancreatic cancer survivor, Rob Schasteen and his daughter Brooke Schasteen-Smith. The conversation expands on Olympus’ focus on pancreatic cancer, its prevalence and Olympus’ mission to support physicians in the critical role of diagnosis and treatment.

Rob shares his personal battle with stage four pancreatic cancer, recounting his initial diagnosis and the invaluable support from his family, particularly Brooke, who relocated to Pennsylvania to care for him. Brooke, actively involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), highlights the organization's pivotal role in offering vital resources, case management, and education for families affected by pancreatic cancer.

Tune in for more on the importance of seeking multiple medical opinions, maintaining hope and a positive attitude, and the significant support provided by PanCAN. Learn more about Olympus’ partnership with PanCAN and the resources and support available for families in their fight against pancreatic cancer.

For more episodes by OlympusTalks, please visit olympusamerica.com/podcasts.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

1. To learn more about pancreatic cancer and for resources on early screening, visit https://www.pancreaticcancerscreening.com/.

1. To explore Olympus’ EUS solutions, visit https://medical.olympusamerica.com/procedure/endoscopic-ultrasound-eus.

1. For essential resources and more information on patient services from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit https://pancan.org/.

In this debut episode of OlympusTalks, Host Tom Salemi welcomes Olympus Corporation of the Americas’ Vice President of Endoscopy Marketing Kurt Cannon, and colorectal cancer survivor and advocate Brooks Bell for a candid discussion on the importance of early screening. They explore Olympus’ role in advancing endoscopic technology and how it contributes to early detection and prevention of colon cancer. 

Bell shares her personal experience with early-onset colorectal cancer, highlighting the urgent need to shift cultural perceptions around colonoscopies. She discusses her work through Worldclass Clothing, a nonprofit aimed at removing barriers to screening. Cannon elaborates on Olympus' commitment to improving adenoma detection rates and sheds light on how their latest innovation, the EVIS X1™ endoscopy system, is designed to support this mission.

Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults—but early screening can make all the difference. Tune in to hear how innovation, advocacy, and awareness are coming together to tackle colorectal cancer.  

For more episodes by OlympusTalks, please visit olympusamerica.com/podcasts. 

*Brooks Bell is a paid endorser of Olympus Corporation, its subsidiaries, and/or its affiliates.

**The content of this podcast was paid for by Olympus.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

• To learn more about the EVIS X1™ Endoscopy System, visit https://medical.olympusamerica.com/products/evis-x1.

• For resources on colorectal cancer screening and to read patient stories, visit https://www.colonoscopytoday.com/.  

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