The Medical Toxicology service can accept up to two medical students and five resident/fellow rotators per month for a one-month rotation (one week vacation is allowed assuming call requirements are met). Rotations are based at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, but patients are also seen at Phoenix Children's. Rotators must be able to attend a minimum of three Friday morning Toxicology Conferences. The rotation is not available in December.

If you are scheduled for an upcoming rotation, you will be sent login information to access rotation materials.

Goals

The rotator will:

  1. Develop clinical skills to assess a poisoning emergency.
  2. Develop problem-solving skills to manage clinical situations from poisoning and adverse drug reactions.
  3. Understand the pharmacology and mechanism of toxicity of the more frequently encountered drugs and toxins.
  4. Learn the appropriate applications of antidotes and specific therapies for common toxins.
  5. Learn how to access, critically appraise and apply the findings of the medical literature in clinical situations. In addition, learn how to access other toxicology specific resources, which assist in the management of poisoned patients.
  6. Understand the functions of a poison center and how the public and medical community can access it.

Clinical Responsibilities

  • Rounds – Rotators will be expected to preround on their patients and complete notes prior to team rounds.
  • Schedule – One week of vacation is allowed. The rotators will not provide medical back-up for the Poison Center.
  • Poison Center Call Monitoring – Rotators will spend at least 6 hours during the month monitoring calls at the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center.

Didactic Activities

In addition to the above clinical responsibilities, the rotation also includes a variety of lectures, chapter reviews, and other conferences. Some highlights are outlined below.

  • Core Lectures – Lectures will be presented on several fundamental topics in toxicology. Each rotator will receive a reading packet with pertinent literature and is expected to read prior to each lecture. The topics covered will include:
    1. Neurotransmitters.
    2. General Management.
    3. Acetaminophen.
    4. Salicylates.
    5. Tricyclic Anti-depressants.
    6. Cardiac Toxins.
    7. Toxic Alcohols.
    8. Carbon Monoxide.
    9. Snakes/Scorpions.
    10. Plants/Mushrooms.
  • Rotator Presentations – Each rotator will present a 10-minute outline on two topics related to toxicology.
  • Poison Center Conference – The Banner Poison and Drug Information Center provides services for residents of Maricopa County. A weekly conference of poison center cases provides an opportunity to discuss exposures that would not typically be seen by a health care provider because they are routinely handled by the poison center staff.

More information

Medical students interested in an away rotation with us will apply through the Visiting Student Application Service. Resident-physicians from other institutions will require a Program Letter of Agreement to be completed. If you are interested in rotating on our service, please contact Teri Glidewell, 602-839-6690, for more information.

Our address is:
Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix Department of Medical Toxicology
1111 E. McDowell Road, Building A, Floor 2
Phoenix, AZ 85006