From mission trip to sterilization champion: Making a lasting impact
Dec 2, 2025 | Read time: 3 min
When Senovia Gunn, a Solventum sterilization assurance representative, volunteered with a non-profit organization focused on scoliosis for medical mission in Jamaica, she brought more than her time — she brought the expertise and commitment that defines what it means to be a solver.
In a surgical hospital where sterilization practices differ significantly from the U.S., Senovia quickly saw the challenges. Many facilities lacked infection control protocols, with decontamination happening right in the operating room and no biological indicators used for implant loads, a major concern for infection prevention.
This is what solving looks like
Despite the limitations, Senovia rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She supported seven scoliosis surgeries, each lasting four hours, and even helped wash and reprocess surgical instruments in the operating room’s wash basin to ensure safe turnaround for the next case. Senovia helped staff upgrade their sterilizers and maintenance the equipment as the sterilization techs were calculating and guessing the temperature, based on the PSI gauge. Her hands-on involvement and knowledge delivered immediate, measurable impact and enhanced infection prevention protocols that will benefit patients long after her departure.
Senovia’s story shows the power of delivering knowledge and tools, combined with compassion, even in the most challenging environment to create better outcomes and transformative change.
NOTE: Shortly after this mission trip, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica. While the hospital staff Senovia partnered with are safe, and their facilities sustained repairable damage, our hearts are with the families and communities mourning loved ones and rebuilding in the aftermath. Please consider donating to ongoing relief efforts to help.
