Marshall Health Network Hospital Earns Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence (CoE) Program Designation

St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC), a member of Marshall Health Network, has been recognized by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence.

(L-R): Morgan Bridwell, Medication Use and Safety Manager; Alex Lawless, Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist; Kara Orwig, Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist and Coordinator of Antimicrobial Stewardship at SMMC; Hesham Awadh, Infectious Diseases Physician and Director of Antimicrobial Stewardship at SMMC; Sharon Jones, SMMC Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Centers for Excellence (CoE) Program recognizes hospitals that excel in responsible antimicrobial use and fighting resistance. Earning a CoE designation means a hospital has top-tier policies and practices to provide high-quality stewardship, apply innovative approaches, and show a strong commitment to improving antimicrobial use and reducing resistance.

“This prestigious designation reflects the dedication and teamwork of our multidisciplinary team to uphold the highest standards in responsible antimicrobial use,” said Dr. Kevin Yingling, CEO of MHN. “Achieving this status demonstrates our commitment to best-in-class practices for those we serve, showcasing our proactive role in fighting resistance and improving patient care.”

“This has been a journey,” said Angie Swearingen, COO of SMMC. “Over the years, the team has diligently worked in implementing best practices, educating staff and providers, as well as collaborating through multidisciplinary teams to achieve this designation.”

“I am immensely proud of the program we built at St. Mary's Medical Center,” said Kara Orwig, Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist and Coordinator of Antimicrobial Stewardship at SMMC. “We are thrilled that IDSA recognized that we provide the highest quality services, and we are committed to finding new ways to impact patient care and combat antimicrobial resistance.”

Only 177 of the nation’s 6,100 hospitals have received the CoE designation since the program’s launch in 2017, and SMMC is one of the elite hospitals to be among them.