.jpg "Karen Estela, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC photo")
Infection Prevention
Our Lady of the Lake Health
Karen Estela, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, is a distinguished healthcare leader known for her expertise in infection prevention, clinical nursing, hospital systems, and health equity. As an Infection Preventionist at Our Lady of the Lake Health in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Karen has made significant contributions to reducing hospital-acquired infections through active surveillance, analysis, and education. Karen has earned recognition for her leadership roles, such as Chair of the Inclusion and Belonging Council at OLOLH and President of the APIC River Region Chapter. She also serves on APIC’s Practice Guidance Committee, further demonstrating her influence in shaping infection prevention and control practices.
Her dedication to advancing infection prevention is evident through her numerous publications and presentations. She has presented posters on topics like reducing Clostridioides difficile infections and addressing gaps in isolation precautions at the Transitioning Research into Practice (TRIP) Conference. Additionally, her publication in PLoS ONE on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-Cov-2 B.1.1.529 infections highlights her contributions to the scientific community. Karen has also written about the new digital quality measures for hospital-onset bacteremia and fungemia, emphasizing the transformation in infection prevention practices.
Karen’s engagement with the Healthcare Anchor Network REAL Series and the Louisiana Action Coalition underscores her commitment to health equity and inclusive education. Recognized with accolades such as the 2022 Celebrate Nursing Award and the Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana honor, Karen Estela continues to drive systemic change and promote inclusivity within the healthcare sector.
