Medical Toxicology Fellowship Curriculum: Clinical Education

New York City Poison Control Center Medical Back-up

Fellows provide the majority of physician back-up for the Certified Specialists in Poison Information (CSPI). The CSPI's are predominantly pharmacists, with advanced training in poison management, who are primarily responsible for case management and answer the majority of inquiries made of the New York City Poison Control Center. Fellows are expected to perform primary follow-up of approximately 10-20 cases/week (500-1000/yr) and approximately 25-30 hours/year of consultation on incoming poison center calls. Fellows are responsible for advising the CSPI on poison management issues, for advising the treating medical staff by phone or in person (when appropriate), and for obtaining follow-up on particular cases.

Direct New York City Poison Control Center Duties

Periodically, the fellow will directly handle incoming calls at the poison center. These brief periods help familiarize the fellow with poison center function, and a variety of problem-solving tasks. By temporarily relieving the PIS staff, these individuals are free to attend the ongoing PIS continuing education series.

Bellevue Hospital Clinical Duties

In conjunction with the Faculty, fellows consult on all patients admitted with toxicologic problems or evaluated in the emergency department (pending admission or if consulted) in order to provide comprehensive management advice and relevant literature to the primary providers.

Medical Toxicology Clinic

The Medical Toxicology service maintains its own specialty clinic which meets on Wednesday morning. Fellows and faculty identify patients to be seen at the clinic, which is by appointment only.