Factors in the development and maintenance of a rational antibiotic formulary part 1

This month, in part one of this exclusive interview with Dr. Cunha, chief of the infectious disease division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY, the philosophical approach taken toward developing and maintaining an antimicrobial formulary at his institution and the specific criteria he uses to assess antimicrobial agents for potential formulary inclusion are presented. Also discussed are Dr. Cunha's thoughts on ways to control antibiotic resistance and commonly held myths about antimicrobial agents. Next month, in the final segment of this interview, Dr. Cunha addresses how pharmacoeconomics fits into the formulary decision-making process, successful physician educational strategies, and recommendations for P & T Committees regarding ways to save money and improve the management of the antibiotic formulary.