Our excitement for this career is contagious!
Infectious disease pharmacists promote the appropriate use of antibiotics to eradicate harmful microorganisms, minimize drug-resistant organisms, and stop the spread of a disease in a patient or population.
They work with other health care professionals to select and monitor the medications for patients with or at risk for infections and implement antimicrobial policies and procedures for the setting.
Infectious disease pharmacists serve in critical roles as part of hospital-based infectious disease teams that are responsible for appropriate antibiotic use within the institution.
It’s not uncommon for infectious disease pharmacists to never handle medications during their jobs. Instead, they provide care by applying their extensive medication expertise.
Practice Setting: Infectious disease pharmacists work in hospitals, medical centers, public health agencies, and medical clinics.
Educational Requirements: They generally complete 1-2 years in a residency and/or pass a board certification exam after earning a PharmD degree.
Patients: Infectious disease pharmacists focus on the care of patients who have short-term infections (e.g., influenza), long-term diseases caused by infection (e.g., HIV), or are at greater risk for infection due to other medications or diseases (e.g., cancer).
Traits: You want to be a key player in stopping the spread of infections and minimizing the development of resistant microorganisms. Additionally, you want to work as part of a team.