Infectious Diseases Pharmacists Day

2023 "Share Your Story" Contest Winners

Thank you to all who submitted stories this year! Please check out the top four stories below and on Twitter.

Congratulations to our grand prize winner, Aleena Issac! She will receive a free one-year SIDP membership.

Dr. Aleena Issac, PharmD: Dr. Issac went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic by reaching beyond her traditional pharmacist role to help the Pathanamthitta community in Kerala, India. While usually exposed to patient situations involving medications and disease, she conveyed her community’s concerns regarding hunger, practicality of self-isolation, timely access to COVID-19 testing, and barriers to receiving primary care to government authorities. This experience helped her to fully understand her value in society and responsibility in caring for vulnerable and underserved patient populations in her hometown.

We also selected three additional winners to receive SIDP water bottles! These stories were submitted by Duaa Jawhar, Punit Shah, and Janet Wu.

Dr. Duaa Jawhar, PharmD: We took initiative in launching the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team in a network of five hospitals, which helps in standardizing practice, sharing experience, benchmarking metrics, designing action plans, and improving patient care. We gained JCI accreditation as the largest hospital network in the Middle East.

Dr. Punit Shah, PharmD: Dr. Shah implemented a robust antiretroviral stewardship program at his institution that led to a decrease in medication errors and improved transitions in care. His patients appreciate the time he dedicates to optimizing their care!

Dr. Janet Wu, PharmD: Dr. Wu has overcome obstacles, including achieving approval for a virtual, pharmacist-managed HIV PrEP clinic and advocating with the microbiology lab for the self-collection of gonorrhea/chlamydia tests in patients completing virtual PrEP appointments. Thank you, Janet!