Today, on National Pharmacist Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of pharmacists to healthcare, and especially to our UNMC ID division. Pharmacists are not only medication experts; they are co-pilots for safe, effective, and equitable ID care. Their impact is especially visible in HIV care and antimicrobial stewardship, where the stakes are high and the science evolves quickly. We are fortunate to have strong pharmacist leaders in both those areas and proud to work alongside them.
Medication Expertise That Saves Lives
Infectious diseases require complex therapies with unique dosing and interactions. Studies show 20–50% of hospital antibiotic orders are unnecessary or inappropriate, making pharmacist oversight critical. Their knowledge ensures patients receive the right drug, at the right dose, for the right duration.
Champions of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Treatment (OPAT)
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat. Stewardship programs with pharmacist leaders can reduce antibiotic use by ~22% and save hospitals hundreds of thousands annually. Our stewardship pharmacists bring deep knowledge of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and real-time clinical decision support, helping us tailor regimens to each patient while preventing adverse effects and resistance. When our patients are discharged, they follow along with OPAT to ensure that our patients remain safe. Their expertise aligns with CDC’s Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship, which highlight pharmacy leadership as a core component of effective programs.
Leaders and Collaborative Partners in HIV Care
Medication errors in HIV care are common, but pharmacist-led interventions make a difference. Programs have cut 30-day readmissions from 27% to 12% and improved linkage to care. Pharmacists are also key partners in HIV prevention and complex medication management in patients with co-infections. Our HIV pharmacists embody excellence. From precision medication reviews and transitions-of-care planning to longitudinal adherence support, they ensure our patients receive the right therapy, at the right time, for the right reasons.
Educators and Innovators
Beyond direct care, our pharmacists are educators and investigators. They mentor trainees, lead research, and advance quality improvement; they help design protocols, lead outreach programs, and advance implementation of CDC stewardship guidance and evidence-based HIV practices across our system and the state of Nebraska, shaping the future of ID care.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our clinical pharmacists Shawna, Josh, Scott, Bryan, Molly, Danny, Jenna, and Sara: thank you for your dedication, expertise, and partnership. You make our ID division stronger, our patients safer, and our community healthier. Today, and every day, we celebrate you!
Join Us in Celebrating Pharmacists
Pharmacists are essential to the fight against infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and HIV care. On National Pharmacist Day, take a moment to:
- Thank a pharmacist for their expertise and commitment.
- Share this post to raise awareness about their impact.
- Support antimicrobial stewardship and HIV programs in your community.
Together, we can amplify their role and ensure they have the resources to keep patients safe and healthy.