Anna Castillo, BS, CRCST, CSPDT, CHL CIS, CFER, GG

I attribute my success to my passion for what I do and to the diverse experiences that have shaped my career. I have encountered a little bit of everything—the good, the amazing, the challenging, and even what sometimes seemed impossible. The opportunities I intentionally pursued, as well as those I unexpectedly found myself in, pushed me outside of my comfort zone and strengthened my passion for my work. Even the moments when I felt scared, frustrated, or uncertain became opportunities to speak up, make meaningful changes, and approach situations from a different perspective. Ultimately, those experiences have helped me grow, become more resilient, and shape the professional I am today.

The best career advice I've ever received was, 'Don't expect you from others.' Everyone has different experiences, strengths, and challenges. Instead of expecting people to do things exactly the way I would, I've learned to help them grow, help them see what's possible, and support them in becoming the best version of themselves. That mindset has made me a better leader and has had a lasting impact on my career. Success isn't measured by how many people become like you. It's measured by how many people grow because you believed in them. 

I would advise young women entering my industry to believe in their expertise and never be afraid to use their voice. Never underestimate your abilities or the value you bring to the table. Advocate for yourself, build meaningful professional relationships, and be intentional about developing a strong network of support. Most importantly, embrace opportunities that challenge you, stretch your capabilities, and push you outside of your comfort zone, because those experiences are often where the greatest growth and confidence are developed.

The biggest challenge and opportunity in sterile processing right now is the increasing complexity of manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFUs). As medical devices become more advanced, we have to ensure they're reprocessed exactly as intended while balancing efficiency, compliance, and patient safety. However, IFUs are not always straightforward. Some can be difficult to interpret, may appear contradictory, or may not fully align with real-world clinical workflows. In those situations, sterile processing professionals must apply critical thinking, collaborate with manufacturers and interdisciplinary teams, and navigate those challenges thoughtfully to ensure patient safety while maintaining compliance.

While that complexity is challenging, it also creates an incredible opportunity to elevate education, strengthen standardization, and showcase the expertise sterile processing professionals bring to healthcare every day. Ultimately, investing in people and education is how we'll meet that challenge, overcome ambiguity, and continue improving patient care.

Integrity is the value that matters most to me in both my professional and personal life. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and in having the courage to speak up even when it may be uncomfortable. Integrity also means holding myself accountable, treating others with compassion, and remaining committed to the responsibilities and causes that matter to me, including patient safety, education, and supporting others. In my personal life, integrity keeps me grounded and helps me remain steadfast in my principles, even when I face challenges or situations that test my beliefs.