Rachel Kruer

Rachel Kruer, a clinical pharmacy specialist in surgical critical care at Johns Hopkins, dives deep into the world of antibiotics. She explains the difference between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, covering how various antibiotics work against common bacteria. The discussion includes critical topics like interpreting MICs for effective antibiotic selection, the role of rapid diagnostics, and options for those with penicillin allergies. Rachel also emphasizes the importance of local antibiograms to tailor treatment effectively.

Rachel Kruer, a Surgical ICU pharmacist, dives into the complexities of antibiotic therapy for common ICU infections. She discusses selecting empiric antibiotics based on infection site, the importance of narrowing therapy after source control, and how GI flora influences treatment. Rachel also covers managing intra-abdominal infections, pneumonia, and catheter-associated UTIs, emphasizing tailored approaches based on patient risk factors. With practical tips on antibiotic durations and when to switch therapies, this conversation is a must-listen for clinicians in critical care.