Eastern Maine Medical Center re-certified as IDSA Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence

Date: 01/07/2026

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is proud to announce its re-certification as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence (CoE) by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). This prestigious designation recognizes EMMC’s outstanding Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP), which continues to set a high standard for the appropriate use of antibiotics in patient care.

Co-led by infectious diseases-trained physician Rebekah Gass, MD and pharmacist Kelly Royster, PharmD, the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Eastern Maine Medical Center exceeds evidence-based guidelines from IDSA, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Core Elements. Antimicrobial stewardship emphasizes prescribing the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration—and only when truly necessary—to optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing potential harms.

The announcement underscores EMMC’s commitment to excellence and delivers direct benefits to patients and the community. "This re-certification reflects the dedication of our antimicrobial stewardship team and the entire hospital staff to providing the highest quality care," says Rebekah Gass, MD, medical director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. "In an era of growing global threats from antimicrobial resistance, we are committed to leading efforts that protect our patients today and safeguard public health for tomorrow."