ABOUT THE EVENT

Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, is the natural process by which viruses, bacteria and other microbes grow resistant to the drugs developed to act against them, making previously treatable infections newly dangerous. In recent years, overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals and plants has accelerated the evolution of so-called superbugs, including drug-resistant staph bacteria and forms of malaria and tuberculosis that evade current treatments. AMR’s impact is most pronounced in poor countries and communities, which often lack the resources to effectively track resistance and control antibiotic use. 

This Think Global panel will explore the root causes of antimicrobial resistance, as well as the tools and strategies that can be deployed to prevent it, especially in low-income settings. Panelists will discuss the role of AMR surveillance, faster diagnosis of infectious diseases to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics, and antibiotic use in agriculture.

SPEAKERS

Ganga Moorthy, MD, MSc-GH, (moderator), is an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and an Assistant Research Professor at the Duke Global Health Institute. She also serves as the Medical Director for Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship at the Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention. Dr. Moorthy's research focuses on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of pediatric febrile illnesses, including bacterial zoonoses and sepsis. Her work aims to advance antimicrobial stewardship globally and locally, striving to improve clinical outcomes for children and reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Don Goldmann, MD, has decades of experience in helping health care systems and clinical teams improve the quality, safety, and value of the care they provide to their patients. He has experience across the translational research continuum (bench science, epidemiology, clinical trials, and implementation research). He has participated in the development of numerous quality measures, especially in pediatrics and infection prevention. Dr. Goldmann advocates for integration of improvement science and HIT/technology to accelerate progress towards vibrant and effective learning health systems, clinical decision support, and population health and equity.

David McAdams, PhD, is Professor of Business Administration and Economics at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, as well as an adviser to the Market Shaping Accelerator at the University of Chicago. He is a respected expert in economic theory, game theory, and economic epidemiology who has been focused on the challenge of rising antimicrobial resistance for over a decade. McAdams’ work highlights the game-changing potential of molecular diagnostics, if combined with a rich enough array of treatments and public-health capabilities, to create the conditions necessary to prevent the rise of AMR—to maintain the effectiveness of our existing antibiotic arsenal forever.  

Siddhartha Thakur, PhD, is the Executive Director of Global One Health Academy and Professor of Molecular Epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State. In his current role, Dr. Thakur is responsible for expanding NC State’s One Health research and education efforts, as well as increasing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on interdisciplinary project-based experiences, and the development of evidence-based recommendations for tackling current and future global threats. His research focus is to fill critical knowledge gaps that exist in the complex chain of events leading to the development, dissemination, and persistence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacterial foodborne pathogens at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment. 

Gayani Tillekeratne, MD, MSc, is an Associate Professor in Infectious Diseases and Global Health at Duke University. She is a clinician and researcher who is focused on developing novel diagnostics and strategies to improve antimicrobial use for acute respiratory and febrile illnesses in low-resource settings. Her work in antimicrobial use and resistance has spanned South Asia, East Africa, and the US. She serves as a faculty lead for Duke’s partnership in Sri Lanka and is Co-Director of the Ruhuna-Duke Centre for Infectious Diseases in Galle, Sri Lanka.


This is a hybrid event with both in-person and remote attendance options. Attendance in person is encouraged. Lunch will be available.