Transforming Diagnostic Stewardship Through Clinician–Lab Collaboration

In this episode of The SHEA Podcast, members of SHEA’s Community Healthcare Epidemiologist and Stewards (CHES) special interest group, Dr. Robert Citronberg and Dr. Vidya Mony, talk with Dr. Vincent Hsu about pandemic preparedness. The conversation highlights key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, approaches to improving hospital readiness and early outbreak detection, and strategies for fostering stronger partnerships between healthcare systems and public health agencies.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) remains one of the more challenging infectious syndromes to diagnose. Many of the clinical findings we associate with VAP - fever, leukocytosis, changes in secretions, and radiographic abnormalities are nonspecific. At the same time, respiratory cultures from ventilated patients frequently identify organisms that may represent colonization rather than true infection. This makes VAP particularly well suited for diagnostic stewardship. Rather than focusing only on whether antibiotics should be started or stopped, diagnostic stewardship asks us to consider the entire diagnostic and treatment pathway.  This episode of The SHEA Podcast is hosted by Dr. Kimberly Claeys, a pharmacist and Associate Professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Dr. Claeys is joined by two leading experts whose work has helped define the field of VAP Diagnostic Stewardship: Dr. Owen Albin and Dr. Anna Sick-Samuels.Dr. Owen Albin is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. His work focuses on improving the diagnosis and management of VAP through pragmatic diagnostic stewardship interventions, alveolar biomarkers that support personalized antimicrobial therapy, and patient-informed hierarchical composite end points for use in nosocomial pneumonia trials. Dr. Anna Sick-Samuels is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Associate Hospital Epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her work, including the BrighT STAR Respiratory Collaborative, has focused extensively on understanding, and improving respiratory culture utilization in children with artificial airways. Links and Recommendations:https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2852334https://www.ovid.com/jnls/pccmjournal/fulltext/10.1097/pcc.0000000000003695~diagnostic-stewardship-of-endotracheal-aspirate-cultures-inhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X23006316?via%3Dihubhttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/abs/asymptomatic-bacterisputia-rethinking-diagnostic-stewardship-in-pneumonia/3AD10C45254DA9421A23E15F6F901C11https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/healthcare-providers-consistently-overestimate-the-diagnostic-probability-of-ventilatorassociated-pneumonia/36A954D510AF12410491047130150A81

This episode of The SHEA Podcast explores the intersection of infection prevention, public health, and migrant health with guest Carlos Franco-Paredes, MD, MPH, an infectious diseases physician and global health researcher whose work focuses on infectious diseases, health equity, and vulnerable populations across the Americas.Hosted by Vanessa Kung, MD, a member of SHEA's Committee for Healthcare Access, Inclusion, and Representation (CHAIR), this conversation examines the unique infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship challenges within immigration detention settings. Dr. Franco-Paredes shares insights from his clinical, research, and advocacy work, including his experience caring for migrants and conducting medical evaluations related to detention conditions.Join us for a thoughtful discussion on infectious diseases, health disparities, and the public health principles that underpin SHEA's vision of safe healthcare for all.Links and Recommendations:https://www.aclu-co.org/publications/cashing-cruelty-stories-death-abuse-and-neglect-geo-immigration-detention-facility/ 

This episode of The SHEA Podcast was created in collaboration with SHEA’s Pediatric Epidemiologists and Antibiotic Stewards (PEAS) group and was developed specifically for Ronald McDonald House staff and volunteers. However, the principles discussed are relevant to any residential care facility. In this episode, Joanne Ryan, President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, New York, speaks with Dr. Karen Ravin of Nemours Children’s Hospital and Dr. Thomas Murray of Yale University, representing SHEA’s PEAS group. Dr. Ravin and Dr. Murray discuss what Ronald McDonald House staff and volunteers should know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), including key prevention strategies and best practices for protecting residents and families.

In this episode of The SHEA Podcast, host Dr. Dan Morgan sits down with Dr. Jessica Zering and Dr. Robin Patel to discuss how clinicians and labs can work together, especially beyond the traditional hospital with a lab on site. Dr. Zering, an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist working for the Washington State Department of Health, and Dr. Robin Patel, the Director of the Mayo Clinic's Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, reflect on the ways in which the relationship between clinicians and labs can move the needle in diagnostic stewardship.

Go behind the scenes of SHEA Spring 2026 with Dr. Ibukun Kalu and Dr. Matt Ziegler as they reflect on this year’s theme, “Defending Science, Protecting Patients.” They break down what’s new—from more interactive sessions to timely public health topics—highlight standout moments like AI workshops and pro/con debates, and share what resonated most with attendees.   Plus, hear how the conference comes together, how you can get involved, and what’s already on the horizon for 2027.   Become a member of SHEA and receive a discount to SHEA Spring 2027 in Washington, D.C.:  https://shea-online.org/membership/

In this episode of the The SHEA Podcast, host Rishi Patel sits down with Dr. Stephanie Stroever and Dr. Elizabeth Monsees to explore what makes a mentorship relationship truly transformative. Dr. Stroever, an assistant professor in the School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Dr. Monsees, a nurse researcher at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City and associate professor at UMKC School of Medicine, reflect on how being matched through SHEA’s mentorship program two years ago led them to develop a meaningful, mutually beneficial partnership – and a genuine friendship.

Antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention are critical in nursing homes, where residents are especially vulnerable and antibiotic overuse remains a persistent challenge. In this episode of The SHEA Podcast, host Kristy Weinshel is joined by Dr. Suzanne Bradley and Dr. Morgan Katz to discuss what nursing homes need to know to improve stewardship practices and resident safety.   Together, they explore SHEA’s “You Can Help! Improving Antibiotic Stewardship & Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes” program, including its practical, micro-learning approach designed for brief daily huddles. The conversation highlights how frontline staff—especially nurses and CNAs—can play a vital role in influencing antibiotic decisions, recognizing early signs of infection, and improving communication across care teams. They also address common misconceptions around urinary tract and respiratory infections, and explain how unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to multidrug-resistant organisms in long-term care settings.   From early detection strategies to empowering staff engagement, this episode offers actionable insights for strengthening stewardship efforts and enhancing the quality and safety of care for nursing home residents. Check out SHEA’s “You Can Help! Improving Antibiotic Stewardship & Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes” course here: https://learningce.shea-online.org/content/you-can-help-improving-antibiotic-stewardship-infection-prevention-nursing-homes#group-tabs-node-course-default1

Transitions from the hospital to nursing homes or other post-acute care settings are critical moments for patient safety—especially when antibiotics are involved. In this episode of the SHEA Podcast, host Dr. Lauren Gleason discusses the real-world challenges of managing antibiotics during these transitions with experts Dr. Susan Huang, Dr. Swati Gaur, and Chad Worz, PharmD.   The conversation explores common barriers such as medication availability, timing of doses, pharmacy logistics, cost considerations, and monitoring needs. Our speakers share practical insights on how clearer communication and better coordination between hospitals, nursing homes, and pharmacies can reduce errors, prevent missed doses, and support safer, more effective antibiotic care.   This episode was developed in collaboration with the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP).   Resources:- "You Can Help! Improving Antibiotic Stewardship & Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes": https://learningce.shea-online.org/content/you-can-help-improving-antibiotic-stewardship-infection-prevention-nursing-homes#group-tabs-node-course-default1

Nurses are the backbone of patient care, but their role in antibiotic and diagnostic stewardship is still underrecognized. In this episode of The SHEA Podcast, host Dr. Marisa Holubar is joined by Dr. Eileen Carter and Dr. David Ha to explore why nurses are essential to stewardship success. Together, they discuss the evidence behind nursing engagement, persistent barriers to involvement, and real-world examples where nurse-led initiatives have reduced antibiotic use, infections, and waste. From IV-to-PO transitions to penicillin allergy assessment and diagnostic stewardship, this conversation offers practical strategies for engaging nurses, leveraging shared governance, and building stronger, more effective stewardship programs across care settings.   References: Thurman Johnson C, Ridge LJ, Hessels AJ. Nurse Engagement in Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: A Scoping Review of the Literature. J Healthc Qual. 2023 Mar-Apr 01;45(2):69-82. doi: 10.1097/JHQ.0000000000000372. Epub 2022 Dec 12. PMID: 36729679; PMCID: PMC9991980.    Shenoy ES, Macy E, Rowe T, Blumenthal KG. Evaluation and Management of Penicillin Allergy: A Review. JAMA. 2019 Jan 15;321(2):188-199. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.19283. PMID: 30644987.    Carter EJ, Schramm C, Baron K, Zolla MM, Zavez K, Banach DB. Perceived usefulness of a mnemonic to improve nurses' evaluation of reported penicillin allergies. Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2023 Jul 11;3(1):e124. doi: 10.1017/ash.2023.177. PMID: 37502243; PMCID: PMC10369439.   Carter EJ, Zavez K, Schramm C, Zolla MM, Baron K, Banach DB. Multifaceted implementation strategy to improve the evaluation of penicillin allergies in perioperative patients: a pre-post feasibility implementation study. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2024 Oct 30;45(12):1-7. doi: 10.1017/ice.2024.119. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39473231; PMCID: PMC11663472.   Resources: ANCC Magnet Recognition Program: https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/   Breakpoints, The SIDP Podcast: https://breakpoints-sidp.org/18-waking-the-sleeping-giant-engaging-nurses-in-antimicrobial-stewardship/