Susan L. Davis

Susan L. Davis, Pharm.D., is Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Associate Dean for Pharmacy at Wayne State University’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, while simultaneously serving as Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Specialist at Henry Ford Hospital.

Education & Training

• Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 2002
• Pharmacy Practice Residency, Detroit Receiving Hospital, 2003
• Fellowship in Infectious Diseases Outcomes Research, Wayne State University, 2005

Research Interests

Dr. Davis is internationally recognized for work in antimicrobial stewardship, epidemiology of resistant organisms, and economic outcomes of anti-infective therapy. Her investigations focus on optimizing antibiotic exposure, preventing resistance, and improving clinical outcomes in serious infections such as MRSA bacteremia, carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, and Clostridioides difficile.

Publication Themes

Across more than 150 publications, her recent work (2019-2025) illustrates a clear trajectory toward pragmatic stewardship interventions—evaluating IV-to-PO switch strategies, real-world effectiveness of newer agents (ceftolozane-tazobactam, eravacycline, meropenem-vaborbactam), and pharmacist-led transitions-of-care models. Multiple multicenter cohort studies and randomized trials emphasize safety endpoints such as vancomycin nephrotoxicity and antifungal discontinuation guided by rapid diagnostics.

Awards & Honors

• Wayne State University Board of Governors Faculty Recognition Award (2021)
• EACPHS Research Excellence Award (2015)
• Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists Outstanding Clinical Practice Award (2012)
• ASHP Foundation New Preceptor of the Year (2008)
• Roche & Henry Ford Preceptor of the Year distinctions (multiple years)

Teaching & Mentorship

Dr. Davis directs the infectious-disease pharmacotherapy sequence (PHA 5215) and precepts Pharm.D. candidates, residents, and fellows. She has built an extensive mentorship network, serving as primary research adviser for numerous Pharm.D. residents and graduate students whose projects feed into national MAD-ID research initiatives.

Clinical & Administrative Roles

At Henry Ford Hospital she leads antimicrobial stewardship rounds, while at Wayne State she oversees curriculum, accreditation, and strategic initiatives as Associate Dean. Her dual appointments integrate bench-to-bedside research with policy-level stewardship program development.