Infection Preventionist
VA Greater Los Angeles
Melissa Lachica is an experienced Infection Prevention and Control specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she has served since 2021. A board-certified since 1997, she has a strong background in direct patient care, critical care and quality management. Her commitment to infection prevention deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic when she transitioned from administrative duties to the frontline, supporting direct patient care nurses in reinforcing infection control measures and highlighting the critical role of prevention in patient safety.
As a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), Melissa actively works to implement best practices in infection prevention. Since 2023, she has led the CAUTI workgroup, focusing on reducing healthcare-associated infections related to catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). She is committed to advocating for safe, effective and compassionate care for the Veterans and their families. Her mission is to uphold the highest standards of infection prevention while fostering a culture of dignity and excellence in healthcare.
