Why Southern California Needs Its Own Sterile Processing Chapter
- Marjorie Wall
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Sterile processing professionals are the unsung heroes of healthcare. We ensure that every surgical instrument is safe, sterile, and ready for patient care. Yet, despite the critical role we play, sterile processing (SPD) departments often operate in silos, with limited opportunities for professional networking, education, and leadership development. It’s time to change that.
Southern California is home to some of the nation’s top healthcare institutions, serving millions of patients each year. With a thriving and diverse sterile processing workforce, we should have a professional network that reflects our strength, our expertise, and our vision for the future. That’s why we are launching a dedicated SPD chapter in Southern California—one that brings professionals together to share knowledge, grow as leaders, and elevate the industry in ways that benefit not just our teams, but the entire healthcare system.
Investing in Our Own Community
Healthcare is a rapidly evolving field, and sterile processing must evolve with it. As new technologies, regulations, and best practices emerge, SPD professionals need access to ongoing education and training. While national conferences and industry events provide valuable insights, they aren’t always accessible to frontline staff or those working in fast-paced, high-demand environments.
A local SPD chapter provides education where it’s needed most—right here in Southern California. By creating our own community of learning and support, we ensure that our teams have access to the tools, training, and mentorship necessary to advance their skills and careers. Investing in our local sterile processing professionals means investing in patient safety and the future of surgical services in our region.
Growing Industry Leaders
Leadership in sterile processing doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through hands-on experience, mentorship, and continuous learning. Southern California has produced some of the most skilled and innovative SPD professionals in the country, yet there has been no formal structure to cultivate and support leadership at the local level.
A dedicated SPD chapter will serve as a launchpad for future leaders—whether that means supporting technicians in their career growth, helping supervisors transition into management, or providing directors with strategic tools to drive operational excellence. Through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs, we can shape the next generation of SPD leaders who will set the standards for excellence in our industry.
A Platform for the Next Generation of SPD Professionals
The future of sterile processing depends on the next generation of professionals entering the field. Right now, many students and early-career technicians are left to navigate their careers on their own, with limited access to guidance from experienced professionals.
By forming a strong professional chapter, we can bridge the gap between education and practice. We can create partnerships with local sterile processing schools, healthcare institutions, and industry leaders to provide hands-on learning opportunities, career guidance, and mentorship. This is how we build a strong pipeline of talent—ensuring that the next wave of sterile processing professionals is well-prepared to lead, innovate, and push the field forward.
Our Voice Matters—Let’s Get It Heard
Sterile processing professionals are essential to patient safety, yet our voices are often unheard when decisions are made about hospital operations, regulations, and industry standards. A united SPD chapter in Southern California gives us the power to advocate for our profession—ensuring that the challenges, needs, and contributions of SPD professionals are recognized at every level of healthcare.
By coming together, we strengthen our ability to influence industry practices, engage with hospital leadership, and push for the resources and recognition our teams deserve. When we speak with one voice, we amplify our impact—not just in our hospitals, but across the entire healthcare ecosystem.
Join the Movement
The first meeting of the SoCal Sterile Processing Association is set for November, with a larger conference planned for the spring. This is more than just another industry group—it’s a movement to strengthen sterile processing in Southern California. Whether you are a technician, educator, manager, or industry partner, your participation matters.
Now is the time to invest in our profession, grow our leadership, and ensure our voices are heard. If you’re passionate about advancing sterile processing in Southern California, we invite you to join us.
📢 Want to learn more or get involved? Drop a comment below or reach out directly—we’d love to connect with you!
Comments