The Medical Toxicology fellowship is set at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson (BUMCT), which is a Level 1 trauma center, burn center, and pediatric ED. We also cover Banner – University Medical Center South (BUMCS), which is a psychiatric-receiving hospital.
Our fellowship activities are set at Arizona Poison & Drug Information Center (APDIC), which covers all counties in Arizona, except for Maricopa County. APDIC is one of the oldest poison centers in the country and has been in continuous operations since 1954. APDIC is a center of excellence at The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy and is a recognized center for research into antivenoms for rattlesnake and scorpion envenomations. APDIC and medical toxicology also are well-recognized for Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS), preparedness and collaboration with Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Medical toxicology in collaboration with College of Public Health also is in involved in environmental justice, assessment of indoor air quality, and works with pediatric environmental health specialty units of Region 9 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Fellows are expected to oversee medical and pharmacy residents and students in rotation in medical toxicology. They are expected to publish, be involved in medical research, and contribute to prevention treatment protocols.
Adult and pediatric critical care rotations are available to fellows based on need. Addiction medicine rotation at both BUMCT and at the Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SAVAHS) is also available upon request.
All fellows are expected to become AHLS instructors, both in hazmat and radiological exposures, within their first year and teach at national and international AHLS gatherings.
The EMS rotation with Dr. Robert French includes participation in disaster exercises with City of Tucson Fire Department and local EMS agencies is expected. As a high-level preparedness, fellows also have the opportunity to rotate with Dr. Frank Walter and participate in State of Arizona exercises for disasters, including both chemical and radiological events.
Medical Toxicology faculty have appointments in the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and College of Public Health. The faculty work closely with State of Arizona for disaster preparedness and EMS response to environmental and chemical disasters.
The College of Medicine & College of Pharmacy have departments in medical pharmacology, pharmacology, and toxicology, which medical toxicology faculty are closely affiliated or have appointments with and allows them to perform and participate in tabletop research.
For more information on the Medical Toxicology Fellowship, please our Medical Toxicology listserv at medtoxfellowinfo@list.arizona.edu