Sheryl Zelenitsky, BSc (Pharm), PharmD

College of Pharmacy research theme

Translational pharmacotherapy and practice

Research affiliations

St. Boniface Hospital (department of pharmacy)

Keywords

  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Antibiotics / Antimicrobials
  • Infectious diseases
  • Pharmacodynamics
  • Pharmacokinetics

Research summary

Dr. Zelenitsky maintains a collaborative research program that promotes optimal antimicrobial use in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Specializing in pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD), the work involves in vitro and clinical studies to determine the best dosing strategies for improving patient outcome while limiting adverse reactions and antimicrobial resistance.

With a commitment to knowledge translation, advanced PK-PD modelling is used along with predictive analytics (Monte Carlo simulations) that extrapolate research findings to the patient setting. The goal is to evaluate current practice and develop evidence-based dosing recommendations for old and new antibiotics alike.

The work is particularly important for high-risk populations such as the critically ill, immunocompromised, elderly, those requiring dialysis, or undergoing surgery, and for the treatment of serious infections such as pneumonia, peritonitis, bloodstream infection or septic shock.

    Biography

    Dr. Sheryl Zelenitsky is a professor in the College of Pharmacy. Previous administrative service includes:

    • Head of clinical sciences 1998-2004
    • Associate dean (academic) 2004-11
    • Interim associate dean (research) 2004 and 2018
    • Interim dean 2006

    Dr. Zelenitsky maintains an active pharmacy license and is committed to the integration of pharmacy education, research and practice. She is appointed in the department of pharmacy at the St. Boniface Hospital and is a member of their antimicrobial stewardship committee.

    She is published extensively in the area of antimicrobials and infectious diseases and is referenced internationally in antibiotic dosing guidelines for surgical prophylaxis and patients undergoing dialysis.

    Education

    • B.Sc. (Pharm), University of Manitoba (1989)
    • PharmD, State University of New York at Buffalo (1991)
    • Post-doctoral research fellowship in antimicrobial pharmacotherapy specializing in PK-PD, University of Manitoba (1997)

    Awards

    • Award for Excellence in Research or Innovation in Assessment of Competence, Associations of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada and Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (2018)
    • Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists Manitoba Branch Award of Excellence (2018)
    • Dr. and Mrs. G. G. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Manitoba (2017)
    • Chair of the board, Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists Foundation that supports patient-centred pharmacy practice and research across Canada

    Contact us

    College of Pharmacy
    Apotex Centre
    750 McDermot Ave W
    University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
    Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5 Canada

    pharmacy@umanitoba.ca
    204-474-6308
    204-789-3744