Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Recognized by Infectious Diseases Organization

Summa Health’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, led by co-directors Paula Politis, (’13), Pharm.D, clinical instructor of pharmacy practice, and Thomas File, M.D., professor of internal medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University, has been named as one of two Antimicrobial Stewardship Centers of Excellence in the U.S. The recognition  was conferred by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (ISDA). Recipients were chosen based on their ability to meet and exceed the standards for antimicrobial stewardship set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We are proud to be recognized as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence by the Infectious Diseases Society of America,” says Dr. File. “Our goal that runs throughout our stewardship program is to improve the outcomes of patients who have various infectious diseases by promoting an appropriate use of antibiotics. “

The ISDA estimates that more than 23,000 deaths are caused by antimicrobial resistance each year. Stewardship programs like that of Summa Health are focused on providing information to patients and other health care providers about how to effectively use antimicrobial agents without leading to resistance or other unwanted outcomes.

More information about the distinction can be read on the IDSA website.