ABSTRACT
This chapter adds a new and cohesive dimension to the multidisciplinary approach to the utilization of Microbiology laboratory results in individual patient care as well as antimicrobial stewardship at the institutional level. Pharmacists in general have the expertise and experience in putting together teams to focus on various aspects of patient care. With the changes in pharmacy education over the past two decades, the profession has grown markedly offering post-graduation residencies, fellowships, board certifications and specializations. Large university hospitals typically have a dedicated antimicrobial stewardship team with a pharmacist fully integrated in the role. In addition to being liaisons between infection control teams, microbiology laboratory and the prescribing physician , they provide pharmacokinetic service to optimize the dosing and routing of antimicrobial agents. Their role in smaller community hospitals is even more crucial since microbiology laboratory is often not on site and specialized infectious disease clinicians are either not on staff or available infrequently.
