Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 – 2025 and Greater Toronto's Top Employers for 2026. Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Position Overview:
The Senior Pharmacist - Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Pharmacotherapy Specialist (ASP PS) is an integral member of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) and a practice leader in establishing corporate initiatives that foster appropriate and cost-effective antimicrobial use, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and enhance patient safety across the Scarborough Health Network.

The Senior Pharmacist – Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Pharmacotherapy Specialist (ASP PS) is an integral member of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) and a clinical practice leader responsible for advancing initiatives that promote appropriate, safe, and cost-effective antimicrobial use across the Scarborough Health Network (SHN). The role supports the reduction of antimicrobial resistance, optimization of patient outcomes, and achievement of organizational quality and accreditation standards.

Clinical Leadership and Stewardship

• Serve as a key member of the ASP team and provide leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
• Promote evidence-based antimicrobial prescribing practices that improve patient outcomes while minimizing antimicrobial resistance and unnecessary costs.
• Champion antimicrobial stewardship principles across the organization and support integration into clinical workflows.

Guideline Development and Clinical Practice Standards

• Develop, implement, and maintain evidence-based guidelines and clinical pathways for:
  • Antimicrobial prophylaxis
  • Empiric antimicrobial therapy
  • Targeted therapy based on definitive diagnoses and microbiology results
  • Antimicrobial dosing optimization
  • Route of administration (including IV-to-oral conversion)
  • Duration of therapy utilizing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles
• Update antimicrobial monographs, clinical tools, policies, procedures, order sets, and related stewardship resources to reflect current evidence, best practices, and organizational requirements.

Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance

• Lead and support compliance with applicable Accreditation Canada Required Organizational Practices (ROPs) related to antimicrobial stewardship, medication management, infection prevention and control, and patient safety.
• Coordinate stewardship activities and reporting required to demonstrate adherence to accreditation standards and quality indicators.

Quality Improvement, Audit, and Evaluation

• Design and implement prospective and retrospective audits of antimicrobial use.
• Evaluate compliance with stewardship recommendations, policies, and clinical guidelines.
• Provide actionable feedback to prescribers, pharmacists, and clinical teams.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance antimicrobial prescribing practices and patient outcomes.
• Monitor and report antimicrobial stewardship program performance metrics.

Surveillance, Reporting, and Analytics

• Conduct antimicrobial utilization and resistance surveillance activities.
• Analyze antimicrobial consumption trends and resistance patterns.
• Prepare reports and present findings to hospital leadership and clinical committees.
• Identify opportunities for system-wide improvements based on data analysis.

Research and Scholarly Activities

• Collaborate and coordinate research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical trials in partnership with Infectious Diseases physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Support protocol development, data collection, analysis, dissemination of findings, and implementation of evidence-based practices.
• Contribute to publications, presentations, and scholarly activities that advance antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases pharmacotherapy.

Interprofessional Collaboration

• Partner with Infectious Diseases physicians, Pharmacy Services, Infection Prevention and Control, Microbiology, Information Technology, clinical programs, and hospital leadership to support stewardship initiatives.
• Collaborate with EPIC analysts and informatics teams to develop, optimize, and evaluate antimicrobial stewardship tools, dashboards, clinical decision support systems, utilization reports, and other informatics-related initiatives.

Committee Leadership and Governance

• Chair or co-chair Antimicrobial Management Committee (AMC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program meetings.
• Lead discussions, establish priorities, and coordinate stewardship activities across clinical programs.
• Present antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, utilization data, quality improvement outcomes, resistance trends, and recommendations to various committees including:
  • Medical Advisory Committee (MAC)
  • Drugs and Therapeutics Committee (DTC)
  • Quality of Care Committee (QOC)
  • Pharmacy, Infection Prevention and Control, and other corporate committees as required

Education and Knowledge Translation

• Provide education, mentorship, and clinical support to pharmacists, physicians, learners, and other healthcare professionals regarding antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases pharmacotherapy.
• Deliver evidence-based recommendations supported by current literature and best-practice guidelines.
• Develop educational resources and facilitate learning opportunities across the organization.

Program Promotion and Organizational Engagement

• Promote the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and support organization-wide awareness campaigns, educational events, and initiatives, such as World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) and other stewardship-focused activities.
• Act as an ambassador for antimicrobial stewardship throughout SHN and within regional and provincial networks.

Requirements:
• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree program in pharmacy, or recognized equivalent.
• Advanced clinical degree such as a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
• Active registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
• Infectious disease training or equivalent clinical experience (e.g. pharmacy fellowship program).
• Minimum five years of relevant pharmacy experience.
• Self-motivated, can work independently and has excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with inter-professional teams.
• Demonstrates leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skill required.
• Strong critical thinking and critical appraisal skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills required.

Company Vacancy/Request for Transfer:
The completion of this online form serves as your application and will be used to determine if you meet the requirements of this position. Please ensure that you have provided all pertinent information necessary to be considered for this vacancy by the close date.

• Knowledge of research, statistical and analytical methodologies.
• Strong computer skills and demonstrates understanding of health information systems and computer database management.
• Teaching experience.
• Able to work on complex problems with various clinical and technical stakeholders to provide innovative and creative solutions to achieve resolution and maintain patient safety.
• Demonstrates values consistent with SHN’s Code of Conduct and is committed to fostering a healthy and positive work environment in accordance with Health & Safety policy and legislation.
• Utilize protective equipment provided and identify and reports hazards.
• Engages in ethical conduct and strives to understand and appreciate the diversity of our patient/staff population and community.
• Excellent work performance and attendance.

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike. 

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values. 

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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