Jennifer Le - Childhood Infectious Diseases - Best Researcher Award

University of California, San Diego Skaggs school of Pharmacy - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE 

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FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE 🧬

Dr. Jennifer Le’s path toward a distinguished academic career began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA, followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy from UCSF. Her drive to specialize further led her to a pharmacy residency at Long Beach Memorial and an advanced research degree from UC San Diego. From these solid academic foundations, Dr. Le built a dynamic career in clinical pharmacology. Her early fascination with the intersection of biology and therapeutics evolved into a passion for pediatric infectious diseases, pharmacokinetics, and antimicrobial stewardship. Her advanced training was pivotal in shaping her translational research capabilities and patient-centered focus. Her ongoing commitment to education was further emphasized by her attainment of numerous certifications in areas like pharmacotherapy, infectious diseases, and clinical research. These qualifications provided her with the breadth and depth required for a role that straddles research, clinical care, and academia. Throughout, Dr. Le has maintained active pharmacist licensure and research certifications, continuously expanding her capabilities in both patient safety and innovative pharmacological approaches. This comprehensive training laid the groundwork for a lifelong contribution to science and medicine, deeply rooted in rigorous academic preparation and an enduring dedication to improving pediatric and infectious disease outcomes.

LEADERSHIP IN CLINICAL PHARMACY 🧪

As a Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Diego, Dr. Jennifer Le exemplifies visionary leadership in education and patient care. Her role as Director of Experiential Education and Chair of the Committee on International Pharmacy Education and Research reflects her dedication to shaping future pharmacists through hands-on, globally-informed education. Her earlier posts at Western University and extensive tenure at MemorialCare Health System reveal her long-standing involvement in bridging academic knowledge with clinical applications. Dr. Le has developed and coordinated multiple therapeutic courses, integrating complex subjects such as pharmacokinetics, infectious diseases, and pediatric pharmacotherapy. She has served as both preceptor and mentor to over 300 students, residents, and early-career faculty, highlighting her pivotal role in guiding the next generation of clinicians and researchers. Beyond teaching, she has served on numerous university committees—ranging from curriculum development to faculty mentorship—demonstrating her multidimensional leadership. Her thoughtful curriculum designs and practical preceptorships have directly contributed to enhanced clinical skills among students. Her long-standing influence in shaping pharmacy education, particularly in infectious disease and pediatric care, has garnered admiration and recognition across academic institutions and professional circles. Through these roles, Dr. Le continues to redefine clinical pharmacy education with academic rigor and compassionate mentorship.

INNOVATION IN PEDIATRIC PHARMACOLOGY 👶

Dr. Le's research portfolio is a testament to her pioneering work in pediatric clinical pharmacology. She has led and collaborated on numerous investigator-initiated projects, including NIH-funded studies totaling over $11.8 million. Her research has primarily focused on optimizing antibiotic dosing in neonates and children through pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling. From exploring vancomycin and aminoglycoside exposure in pediatric patients to identifying dosing requirements in neonates with sepsis, Dr. Le has delivered actionable insights that are transforming pediatric care. Her work within the Pediatric Trials Network and contributions to model-informed precision dosing highlight her commitment to tailoring therapies to vulnerable populations. This patient-centered research has been instrumental in improving therapeutic outcomes and minimizing drug toxicity. She has also authored multiple national consensus guidelines on antimicrobial use and vancomycin monitoring in pediatric care, reflecting her influence on best practices across institutions. With more than 200 publications to her name, Dr. Le has made impactful contributions to journals specializing in pharmacotherapy, infectious diseases, and pediatric medicine. Her work continues to bridge gaps between bench research and bedside care, using data-driven models and clinical acumen to enhance drug safety and efficacy in pediatric populations globally.

ADVOCACY FOR MEDICATION SAFETY & GUIDELINES 📋

A leader in pharmacovigilance, Dr. Jennifer Le has consistently advocated for safer medication practices, especially in pediatric and critical care settings. Her seminal contributions to the national vancomycin guidelines, developed alongside the Infectious Diseases Society of America and other prestigious bodies, have transformed monitoring protocols across U.S. hospitals. Dr. Le’s expertise in therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetics has led to paradigm-shifting approaches in antimicrobial stewardship, emphasizing AUC-based dosing over traditional methods to better predict efficacy and prevent toxicity. Her work has not only influenced hospital protocols but also shaped regulatory guidance. Dr. Le has served as a consultant for the FDA’s Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee and international drug monitoring agencies, demonstrating her credibility and influence in public health. She’s also helped develop tools for Bayesian estimation and has advised on the integration of pharmacokinetics in electronic health records for better clinical decision-making. Beyond her research and consulting, she has led initiatives in minimizing medication errors, especially in neonates and immunocompromised children, populations often overlooked in clinical trials. Her efforts ensure that safety remains central to innovation in pharmacotherapy, making her a steadfast advocate for vulnerable patients and a driving force behind more intelligent and equitable healthcare delivery.

GLOBAL IMPACT THROUGH EDUCATION 🌍

Dr. Le’s influence extends far beyond U.S. borders through her dedication to international pharmacy education and research collaboration. As Chair of the Committee on International Pharmacy Education and Research at UCSD, she has spearheaded efforts to globalize pharmacy training, facilitating faculty exchange, curriculum design, and policy development with institutions across Asia and the Middle East. Her work with Hanoi University of Pharmacy and hospitals in Vietnam illustrates her commitment to strengthening global healthcare systems through knowledge exchange and capacity building. She has delivered keynote lectures at international pediatric antimicrobial stewardship conferences and conducted training workshops in countries like Taiwan and Vietnam, focusing on therapeutic drug monitoring and antibiotic dosing in children. These efforts have directly contributed to the implementation of advanced pharmacological practices in resource-limited settings. Dr. Le also serves on advisory panels for global journals and international pharmacotherapy initiatives, ensuring that global voices are heard in scientific discourse. Her mentorship of international pharmacists and researchers has fostered enduring professional networks. Through these actions, Dr. Le embodies the spirit of global health equity—ensuring that the latest advancements in pediatric pharmacology and drug safety are accessible and applicable around the world.

DISTINCTIONS & PROFESSIONAL HONORS 🏅

Throughout her career, Dr. Le has earned widespread acclaim and numerous accolades that reflect both her scientific excellence and leadership. She is a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA), American College of Clinical Pharmacy (FCCP), and California Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (FCSHP)—a rare trifecta underscoring her multidisciplinary expertise. She was the recipient of the Sternfels Prize for Drug Safety Innovation and was honored in Marquis Who’s Who in America for her contributions to academia and public health. Her mentorship excellence was recognized with UCSD’s Outstanding Mentor Award, and she’s frequently invited to serve on expert panels, including those for NIH, AHRQ, PCORI, and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Le has also been a sought-after consultant for clinical trial design and regulatory pharmacology with the FDA and international agencies. These distinctions not only recognize her personal achievements but also amplify her role in shaping the future of pharmacological sciences. Her awards reflect years of innovative research, effective mentorship, and unwavering dedication to public service. Dr. Le’s reputation is built not only on academic merit but also on a deep sense of professional responsibility to foster the next generation of healthcare leaders.

LEGACY OF MENTORSHIP & FUTURE TRAJECTORY 🌱

As a seasoned academic and healthcare leader, Dr. Jennifer Le continues to nurture the future of pharmacy through robust mentorship and visionary research. She has mentored more than 300 individuals, from pharmacy residents to early-career faculty, instilling in them the principles of scientific inquiry and compassionate care. Her mentorship programs at UCSD have fostered diverse talent pipelines and inspired many to pursue academic and clinical excellence. Dr. Le is currently leading initiatives in model-informed precision dosing and developing training modules for underrepresented groups in clinical research. Her trajectory suggests a continued expansion of global partnerships, particularly in resource-limited countries, to elevate the standard of pediatric care. With a keen interest in bridging technology and therapeutics, she is expected to play a major role in integrating AI-driven pharmacokinetics into routine clinical practice. As regulatory agencies increasingly look to expert clinicians for guidance, Dr. Le’s influence on national and international policy will only grow. Her enduring legacy lies in her capacity to translate science into practice, inspire young scientists, and build institutions that embody both rigor and equity. Through her multifaceted contributions, she is shaping not just the future of pharmacy—but the future of health.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

• Title: Therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin for serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections: A revised consensus guideline and review
  Authors: MJ Rybak, J Le, TP Lodise, DP Levine, JS Bradley, C Liu, BA Mueller, et al.
  Journal: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy

 

• Title: Improved vancomycin dosing in children using area under the curve exposure
  Authors: J Le, JS Bradley, W Murray, GL Romanowski, TT Tran, N Nguyen, S Cho, et al.
  Journal: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal

 

• Title: Urinary tract infections during pregnancy
  Authors: J Le, GG Briggs, A McKeown, G Bustillo
  Journal: Annals of Pharmacotherapy

 

• Title: Adverse drug reactions among children over a 10-year period
  Authors: J Le, T Nguyen, AV Law, J Hodding
  Journal: Pediatrics

 

• Title: Incidence and risk factors influencing the development of vancomycin nephrotoxicity in children
  Authors: S McKamy, E Hernandez, M Jahng, T Moriwaki, A Deveikis, J Le
  Journal: The Journal of Pediatrics