Host Dr. Fred Pieracci and special guest Dr. Jared Huston dive into the tough topics of surgical critical care recertification and current practices in infection management.

Dr. Pieracci and Dr. Huston share their contrasting approaches to the two-year recertification exam and use it as a springboard to review core principles. They discuss the limited role of procalcitonin in their ICUs, the shift toward using PCR results to safely minimize empiric antibiotics in VAP, and the priority of achieving source control before medical management. The doctors also touch on advanced concepts like the use of Angiotensin II in pressor-refractory septic shock and the vital importance of risk stratifying patients for appropriate antibiotic stewardship.

Finally, Dr. Pieracci and Dr. Huston encourage all trainees and junior faculty to take full advantage of the Surgical Infection Society (SIS)’s abundant abstract submission and funding opportunities, emphasizing the society’s role in guiding the next generation of academic surgeons.

In this special episode of Source Control, recorded live from the SIS 2025 Philadelphia conference, co-hosts April Mendoza and Dante Ye bring you exclusive interviews. Hear from Rebecca Meltzer, a fourth-year resident and winner of the highest-scoring abstract, as she discusses her innovative research on gut microbiota and fecal microbiota transplants for surgical infections. We also catch up with newly announced counselor at large, Chris Guidry, who shares his enduring appreciation for the intimate and impactful SIS community. Plus, Philadelphia native Dr. Lou Kaplan offers an insider’s guide to his beloved hometown. Finally, SIS President Marc Jeschke outlines his vision for the society’s future, emphasizing strategic growth, increased communication, and a renewed focus on attracting basic scientists to the field.

This episode on Source Control, the team discusses the upcoming SIS 44th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia with guest Daithi Heffernan. Learn about the program committee’s hard work, the new meeting schedule, and how to get involved. Plus, trauma surgeon Hussain Ladani shares his experience adjusting to life as an attending physician and Dr. Heffernan shares a classic source control case.

In this episode, April, Fred and Jared interview Dr. Dante Yeh, chair of the fellowship committee, to discuss the recently created FSIS distinction.

In this episode of “Source Control”, the official podcast of the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), hosts Dr. Fred Peerachi and Dr. Jared Houston welcome Dr. Joe Forrester, current Chair of the SIS Therapeutics and Guidelines Committee, to discuss the recent update to the SIS Intra-Abdominal Infections Guidelines.

Dr. Forrester shares his insights into the updates and the process of developing these important resources for the surgical community. Listeners will learn about the key changes in the 2024 update, including the new recommendations for antibiotic duration after percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal infections.

The hosts also explore the broader challenges of ensuring guidelines are adopted into clinical practice and discuss the role of the SIS Therapeutics and Guidelines Committee in advancing surgical infection care.

This episode is a must-listen for surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals who want to stay current on the latest SIS guidelines and best practices.