Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
As an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist, I witness the impact of antimicrobial resistance daily. I have seen infections due to resistant pathogens lead to potentially fatal delays in effective treatment, and the need to use toxic and otherwise suboptimal antibiotics to manage these infections. This is why I insist on developing personalized antimicrobial regimens to get our patients on the right antibiotic regimen as soon as possible. To do this, I analyze local and national resistance trends, utilize rapid diagnostic tests, assess patient risk factors for drug-resistant infections, and optimize the use of new antimicrobials. Because all of us need to be resistance fighters.
