SGMC Health receives statewide awards for patient safety
Published 2:04 pm Wednesday, January 29, 2025
1 of 2
Submitted photo: Antimicrobial Stewardship Team for Better Clinical Outcomes – Monica Kovuri, MD; Samuel Edusa, MD; Rosaida Silverio Lopez, MD; Ornob Rahman, MD; Hala Sharma, MD; Mariya Tom, MD; Timothy Sobukonla, MD; Rita Medina-Vega, MD. Not pictured: Matthew Brown, MD
Submitted photo: Discharge Antibiotics Optimization for Urinary Tract Infections for Emergency Room Patients - Bailey Boyd, BS; Hala Sharma, MD; Ironica Pye, MBA; Rosaida Silverio Lopez, MD; Luke Saunders, PharmD; Mariya Tom, MD; James McSweeney, MD. Not pictured: Leslie Lamptey, MD
VALDOSTA — SGMC Health was recognized at the Georgia Hospital Association Patient Safety Summit with the prestigious Josh Nahum Award, securing second and third place for two impactful projects focused on Infection Prevention and Control.
The two projects showcase the health system’s ongoing commitment to patient safety, enhanced care outcomes, and innovative practices that positively impact patient health, according to a press release from SGMC Health.
Receiving second place in the category was “Discharge Antibiotics Optimization for Urinary Tract Infections in Emergency Room Patients.” The multidisciplinary team developed an antibiogram to help emergency department doctors choose Empiric antibiotics for treating urinary tract infections more effectively, the health system said. By analyzing local data on which antibiotics work best on the hospital’s population, they created a guide that gives favorable recommendations, reducing the chances of ineffective treatments.
Third place went to the “Antimicrobial Stewardship Team for Better Clinical Outcomes” project.
SGMC Health’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Team focuses on ensuring the wise and effective use of antimicrobial agents. Meeting at least four times a year, the team evaluates prescription practices to promote appropriate medication use, select the right drugs, determine optimal dosages and treatment durations, and minimize the risks of side effects. Through these efforts, the team is able to improve patient health, prevent drug resistance, and cut unnecessary costs, ultimately enhancing the clinical outcomes of SGMC Health patients, the press release said.
“Both of these award-winning initiatives underscore the important role SGMC Health plays in medical education and research to enhance patient safety and quality,” shared Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Pankaj Agrawal, MD. “The clinical acumen, collaboration, and innovation of our team is on display, and it is significant that their efforts rise to this level of recognition.”
GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle also praised SGMC Health for its contributions, adding, “It is an honor to recognize GHA’s Patient Safety and Quality Award winners in person each year, and this year, we are proud to recognize SGMC Health for their outstanding work on the frontline to enhance patient safety and quality. The incredible projects presented by our member hospitals support GHA’s strategic initiatives, from access to care to behavioral health and rural health sustainability, among others. We are all working together to improve patient outcomes, and I applaud our member hospitals for continually stepping up to serve Georgians by providing high-quality care.”
The Josh Nahum Award is presented annually at the GHA Patient Safety Summit and is intended to highlight exceptional initiatives and projects that lead to better healthcare delivery and improved patient care. Recipients of the Josh Nahum Award are selected based on their commitment to excellence in patient safety, the implementation of best practices, and their efforts to drive positive change within the healthcare industry.
To learn more, visit sgmc.org.
