Note from the ACDIS Director: Celebrate the stars amongst us

by Rebecca Hendren

CDI professionals are the most generous people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. They are quick to step up to share best practices, they have a passion for life-long learning, they educate others through formal and informal means. It’s what makes ACDIS such an incredible association: it’s one big family discussing, occasionally disagreeing, and, ultimately, elevating the entire profession.

It’s always nice to take a moment to stop and recognize those who go even further and really are the shining stars amongst us. One way of doing this is to nominate someone for an ACDIS Achievement Award, which are presented at the ACDIS conference.

The application process is quick and painless, and it really is worth it to take the few minutes to recognize the people who deserve it.

This year’s categories are:

• CDI Professional of the Year: This award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association and recognizes an individual who stands out as a consummate representative of the best attributes of a CDI professional. The nominee must have at least 10 years as a CDI professional at the time of their nomination.
• Accomplishment in CDI: This award recognizes an individual who has made significant achievements as a CDI professional in their facility or within their broader organization. The nominee must have at least two years as a CDI professional at the time of their nomination.
• Melissa Varnavas Spirit of Service: This award is named in honor of our friend and colleague, Melissa Varnavas. It recognizes an individual who has committed themselves to service by volunteering their time and skills to assist their peers and advance the CDI profession.
• Diversity in CDI: This award is intended to honor those organizations whose CDI departments are going above and beyond with creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity in CDI looks like folks from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, those from minority groups in leadership positions, different educational backgrounds outside of the traditional clinical realms, inclusion of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and all abilities.

Applications are due by December 12, 2025, and all nominations will be reviewed and selected by the ACDIS Events Committee, in conjunction with ACDIS leadership.

Click here to nominate someone!

Editor’s note: Hendren is the director of ACDIS. Contact her at rebecca.hendren@hcpro.com.