On June 7, our three second year fellows presented their research to the division and then celebrated their graduation.

Dr. Iovleva presented data regarding  OXA-2 expression causing ertapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae. She also discussed mechanisms for drug resistant Acinetobacter, part of a submission for grant funding that deals with novel LIPID A modification.

Dr. Phulpoto presented his award winning stewardship project for reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescription in the ED.  His interventions were in-person feedback re: choice and number of antibiotics and monthly emails re: prescription compared to colleagues.  There was significant decrease in year-over-year antibiotics in the ED.  He won both Pitt DOM fellow’s poster and VA Pittsburgh Poster this year.

Dr. Alfishawy presented data regarding septic arthritis, specifically S. aureus infection. He noted that IDU was associated with S. aureus compared with other organisms. In addition, patients with cirrhosis and/or low albumin were at significant increased risk of mortality.

Congratulations to all of the fellows and their hard work!