The Division of Medical Toxicology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix provides comprehensive toxicology specialty care through inpatient and outpatient settings. We partner with the Banner Poison and Drug Information Service and the U of A Center for Toxicology and Pharmacology Education and Research (CTPER) to improve clinical toxicology care and public health services through Maricopa County.
Our inpatient service at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix includes both an admitting service and a consultation service. We admit and provide specialized care to patients experiencing adverse effects from intentional or accidental exposure to medications, illicit drugs, chemicals, environmental toxins and venoms. We manage the consequences of substance use disorders, including toxicity and withdrawal syndromes from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines and other addictive substances. We also provide consultations to patients admitted to medicine, surgery, psychiatry, pediatric and obstetric services. Consultations may involve initiation of methadone or buprenorphine for management of opioid use disorder, pharmacogenetic testing and medication management recommendations, evaluation for drug interactions or other toxicologic etiologies of symptom complexes, and management of other toxicologic diagnoses.
The medical toxicology outpatient clinic sees patients of all ages with concerns regarding effects of medication exposures, environmental or occupational exposure, and provides review and recommendations following pharmacogenomic testing. Independent medical examinations (IMEs) are also offered. Clinic services include follow up assessments, laboratory testing and care for patients who previously experienced a rattlesnake envenomation.
The U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix medical toxicologists provide medical management for the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center. The toxicologists provide clinical expertise to health care practitioners through the state through poison center consultations.
Public health projects established with the CTPER allow College of Medicine – Phoenix medical toxicologists to have a greater clinical impact throughout our community with projects such as the Opioid Assistance and Referral Line (OAR line - ADHS - Home). Medical toxicologists provide expertise on the management of opioid use disorders to healthcare providers throughout Maricopa County.