Gonzalo Bearman, M.D., M.P.H., chair of the Department of Internal Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases, will serve as the inaugural editor-in-chief of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America’s new open-access journal, Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology.
Mary Hayden, M.D., president of the SHEA Board of Trustees, recently announced his selection, stating: “Dr. Bearman was chosen from a large field of highly qualified candidates because of his energy and commitment to advancing the field of antimicrobial stewardship through innovation and strong research.”
Bearman, who is the medical director of VCU Health’s Infection Prevention Program and the Richard P. Wenzel Professor of Medicine, is internationally known for his research on the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections. In 2019, he and his team were recognized for publishing the “most outstanding domestic clinical study” in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the companion journal to Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology. In addition, Bearman has led VCU Health’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and co-authored several papers related to SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention.
“We are most fortunate to have Dr. Bearman as a member of the Department of Internal Medicine,” said department chair Patricia Sime, M.D. “He brings cutting-edge research and evidence-based practices to our institution and is a wonderful role model as an outstanding clinician and educator.”
Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology began accepting submissions last week, and Bearman has a clear vision for the future of the journal.
“Our primary goal in the next year is to establish a top-level editorial team to review and seek the highest quality original research, reviews, commentaries and diversity of views and representation in our field,” Bearman said. “Ultimately, we aim to build Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology to be the premier and most innovative open-access journal in the fields of infection prevention, health care epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship to promote safe health care for all.”
Bearman will serve a five-year term as editor-in-chief, ending Dec. 31, 2025, with the possibility of one additional five-year term.
“Dr. Bearman is an exceptional clinician, researcher and leader in the fields of epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship, bringing consummate skill, knowledge and remarkable energy to his many roles within the health system and the School of Medicine,” said Peter Buckley, M.D., dean of the VCU School of Medicine. “We are extremely proud to see his impact recognized by his selection as editor-in-chief of this new peer-reviewed journal. The health care community – and ultimately patients – will undoubtedly reap the rewards of Dr. Bearman’s experience and expertise as he leads this journal through its first foundational years.”