The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has designated both Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital as “Antimicrobial Stewardship Centers of Excellence.”
This designation recognizes institutions that have created antimicrobial stewardship programs led by infectious disease physicians and pharmacists that advance the science in antimicrobial resistance, ensuring antibiotics are used appropriately and only when necessary.
The hospitals are among only eight institutions in the United States that received recognition as a Center of Excellence this year, joining a select group of health organizations in the country that have received the designation since the IDSA’s program’s launched in 2017.
“This recognition has been made possible by the strong partnership between various specialties throughout the hospitals, all working together to create a successful antimicrobial stewardship program,” said Faiza Morado, PharmD, BCIDP, an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist and clinical pharmacy specialist infectious diseases at Keck Medical Center.
“Being a center of excellence is a true testament to the power of collaboration,” added Neha Nanda, MD, medical director of antimicrobial stewardship with Keck Medicine of USC. “This collective effort underscores our commitment to combating the emerging public health emergency of antimicrobial resistance.”
If overused, antibiotics may lose their effectiveness, putting patients at risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the numbers have yet to go down to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
“Antimicrobial stewardship can counter the problem of antibiotic resistance and improve outcomes,” said Krist Azizian, PharmD, MHA, chief pharmacy officer at Keck Medicine. “I am proud of the efforts of our physicians and pharmacists to provide patients with the highest quality care.”
The IDSA is a community of over 13,000 physicians, scientists, and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases. Their purpose is to improve the health of individuals, communities, and society by promoting excellence in patient care, education, research, public health, and prevention related to infectious diseases.
— Alison Rainey