Antimicrobial stewardship is an important role for internal medicine physicians, with the goal of maximizing the use of antibiotics and minimizing the development of resistant strains. Physicians track prescribing practices, customize therapy to the individual patient, and work with pharmacists and infection control professionals.
Internists also direct education initiatives for health care personnel and patients, encouraging prudent use of antibiotics and treatment adherence. Through monitoring resistance patterns and best practice implementation, hospitals minimize infection and enhance patient safety.
Integration of stewardship into regular care reflects internal medicine's ability to balance effective treatment with public health obligation. Such programs have a quantifiable influence on patient outcome and healthcare expenditure.