Anthony Dunaway Visits the Sterile Processing Technician Class for Guest Lecture
July 24, 2025
Sterile Processing Guest Lecture Inspires AIMS Students
On July 24, 2025, Students in the Sterile Processing Technician program at AIMS Education recently had the privilege of learning from Anthony Dunaway, Director of Sterile Processing at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City during a guest lecture highlighting the critical role of Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) in healthcare.
Drawing on his extensive leadership experience, Mr. Dunaway began by emphasizing the vital function of SPDs in ensuring that surgical instruments and medical devices are properly decontaminated, sterilized, and prepared for patient use. He explained how this behind-the-scenes work is directly linked to infection prevention, patient safety, and overall hospital efficiency.
Throughout his presentation, Mr. Dunaway stressed the importance of strict compliance with regulatory standards established by organizations such as AAMI, OSHA, and The Joint Commission. He reminded students that adherence to these guidelines is not only essential for patient care but also for the integrity and reputation of healthcare institutions.
Knowing that AIMS students were preparing for their provisional CRCST exam, Mr. Dunaway provided a detailed walkthrough of the key processes within sterile processing, including decontamination, cleaning, sterilization, packaging, and storage. His practical explanations gave students a clear picture of what to expect in their careers and reinforced the concepts they have been studying in class.
In addition to covering best practices, he addressed some of the challenges commonly faced by SPDs, such as staffing shortages, equipment malfunctions, and the complexities of maintaining sterile integrity. He also underscored the importance of effective communication between the SPD and the operating room, noting that collaboration across departments is essential to patient safety.
Students responded enthusiastically, engaging with thoughtful questions that connected theory to real-world practice. Faculty members noted Mr. Dunaway’s well-prepared and articulate presentation, praising his ability to balance technical depth with practical insights.
This lecture is part of AIMS Education’s ongoing effort to bridge classroom learning with professional expertise through its guest speaker series. Inviting leaders like Mr. Dunaway allows students to gain firsthand exposure to the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of working in sterile processing.
AIMS Education extends its sincere appreciation to Anthony Dunaway for his time, expertise, and valuable contributions to student learning. His presentation left a lasting impression, and we look forward to welcoming him back for future sessions.
