Ann M. Kobayashi

Ann M. Kobayashi Biography

What value would you bring to the ongoing efforts of HSPA as the Secretary/Treasurer of the organization?

Having previous experience on the HSPA Board of Directors, I have some insight into the process of how the meetings are run and the importance of attendance. If I were to be elected as Secretary/Treasurer, I would bring value with my bachelor’s in business administration (BBA) degree and through my experience in having owned my own business. I understand the ins and outs of how a business is run and the details of the books.

Not only do I manage a hospital department, but I also do all the ordering of instrumentation, setting up the trays, adding them to the system, and dealing with the ins and outs of service repairs and cost. With the department going through a challenging time, I keep a calm and cool manner and go about with my daily tasks of documentation and reporting making the best decision within the department.

With all that being said, the value I would bring is experience within the Association. Any new changes, process improvements, or adversities that HSPA would be going through, I will be able to bring my thoughts and opinions and will be able to join forces in a reasonable discussion to hopefully find a resolution. I also love what I do, I am not burned out on my job. My passion for this industry is still fresh and I feel rewarded every day.

How would you support the current mission of HSPA?

Every day, I support the current mission of HSPA by promoting patient safety in the work I do at my facility. I continuously keep up on the latest news of the Sterile Processing industry and communicate that to the caregivers in my area by doing huddles, inservices and inviting vendors in to educate on products they supply.

Attending conferences, chapter meeting, watching experts on the webinars and listening to podcasts can help me raise my level of expertise, which enhances my management duties and helps me to lead my team in a way that delivers the best care for our patients.  Through my leadership, I also ensure that policies and best practices are being followed. If ever a question is raised, I am able to give the reasoning behind the why so it is clearly understood why we do what do.

Education is also a key to supporting the mission. It is an ever-changing world of processes, instrumentation and equipment. Keeping abreast of the current situations and being able to share that is important. Staying active on behalf of HSPA is living out the true mission and vision of this organization.

Describe any unique qualifications such as leadership, life, and business expertise that may set you apart from other candidates and position you as an effective board member.

I started out as a Sterile Processing technician and pursued my CRCST immediately with Purdue University. After finishing that, with much thought and in attending my first conference in San Antonio, I knew it was my only option to pursue the CIS and CHL, so within three years, I had the Triple Crown. After four years as a technician, I became an SPD educator and now, a manager. I never dreamed that there was a true ladder of success and that it was possible.

I have served as a subject matter expert for HSPA on job analysis task, question writing and review. I have served on the Certification Council for several years as well and served as a past Board member during the most difficult time of COVID and through the most incredible time of rebranding from IAHCSMM to HSPA.

I was once told by a manager of mine that I cannot expect everyone to have to the passion for Sterile Processing that I have. Perhaps that is true, but with some effort and being present on the Board and talking to those at conferences, chapter meetings and at my facility about what we do and why we do it, perhaps that will put the SPD spark in them. I will keep trying and smiling for I have found something that I truly love to do.