Emerging evidence demonstrates that modified-release (MR) opioids used for acute postoperative pain increase the risk of adverse events, and prolong hospital stays without providing superior pain relief compared to immediate-release formulations. Furthermore, MR opioid use is a significant risk factor for persistent postoperative opioid use. Despite clear international guidelines advising against their use in acute pain, MR opioid prescribing rates remain alarmingly high, exceeding 80% in Australian private hospitals. This symposium addresses the APSA conference theme by integrating pharmaceutical science, practice, and education to drive systemic change in opioid stewardship. The session will provide an evidence-based roadmap for clinical translation. First, it will outline the definitive evidence against MR opioids in acute care and present findings from the IASP Opioid Taskforce regarding the global drivers of clinician prescribing behaviour. Second, it will explore the evolving clinical practice landscape, highlighting the leadership role of pharmacists in pain management through a new collaborative position statement. Finally, the symposium will present a translational model detailing an upcoming cluster-randomised trial targeting MR opioid reduction in private hospitals. We plan to partner with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to demonstrate how these stewardship principles align with their Pain Management Education Standards (https://www.anzca.edu.au/pain-education-standards), ensuring sustainable educational impact.