Antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist Laura Gillespie, PharmD has spent her career advancing patient‑centered care through data‑driven methods. Her efforts include reducing multidrug‑resistant infections, decreasing unnecessary antibiotic use, and leading regional partnerships that extend beyond individual hospitals.
From bedside problems to measurable change
Gillespie did not initially aim to become a researcher. “As an AMS pharmacist, I observe patient care issues firsthand, then create initiatives to address them,” she said. Tracking results matters because without reporting data, improvements in patient care cannot expand. Her approach ensures each project directly benefits patients rather than letting research dictate clinical decisions.
She calls herself an investigator, spotting problems like overtreatment or increasing resistance rates. Once she identifies a root cause, she collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to develop an action plan. While not every effort becomes published work, she documents progress and shares findings with hospital staff, supporting a cycle of ongoing improvement.
Regional collaboration amplifies impact
Though most of Gillespie’s published work comes from her own institution, many projects include partners across North Central Indiana. In 2017, she helped establish the region’s AMS Program, a network that standardizes antimicrobial use policies among multiple hospitals. “It’s rewarding to see treatment improvements extend across a region instead of being limited to one facility,” she said.
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The collaboration has led to coordinated reductions in fluoroquinolone and clindamycin prescriptions, along with correcting mislabeled β‑lactam allergies. These adjustments contributed to a significant drop in Clostridioides difficile infections, a critical measure for stewardship programs.
COVID-19 response and scholarly output
During the pandemic, Gillespie co‑founded a COVID‑19 Coagulation Committee at her hospital. The committee published research on the virus’s effects on blood clotting, showing how pharmacist‑led efforts can shape critical care protocols.
Sustaining these gains will require continued attention.
Future steps rely on data
Gillespie emphasizes that maintaining progress depends on ongoing efforts. Next priorities include improving diagnostic practices, ensuring faster susceptibility testing, and expanding education for prescribers about the risks of unnecessary broad‑spectrum antibiotics. If the current trend continues, the region may return to pre‑pandemic infection levels, but only if the collaborative model remains active.