Improving PJP Prophylaxis

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a serious infection that can occur in patients receiving high‑dose corticosteroids, yet recent cases at UPMC Shadyside highlight missed opportunities for appropriate prophylaxis in this setting. This activity will increase provider awareness of PJP risk, clarify indications for prophylaxis, and support evidence‑based prescribing to reduce PJP‑related morbidity and mortality in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Target Audience

Physicians, Advanced Practice Practitioners (CRNP and PA), Residents, Medical Students, and Physician Practice Staff

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify patient populations at increased risk for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP).
  • Define high‑dose corticosteroid therapy using clinically relevant dosing thresholds.
  • Determine clinical scenarios in which PJP prophylaxis is indicated.
  • Select the appropriate prophylactic medication and duration for PJP prevention based on patient‑specific factors.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 0.50 AAPA Category I CME
  • 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 0.50 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 0.50 Attendance
Course opens: 
04/27/2026
Course expires: 
04/27/2029

Course Director: 
Emily H. Miller, PA-C — Physician Assistant, Expert, University of Pittsburgh Physicians,  Medical Thoracic Associates

Planning Committee:

  • Emily Yee, MD - Pulmonologist, University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor
  • Marcy Zoller, CRNP - CRNP, Supervisor, University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Medical Thoracic Associates

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE
No members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships with any companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

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In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 0.5 contact hours.

Physician Assistant (AAPA)
The University of Pittsburgh has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 0.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.

 

Available Credit

  • 0.50 AAPA Category I CME
  • 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 0.50 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 0.50 Attendance
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