TUCSON, Ariz. (August 31, 2010) – University Physicians Healthcare has opened a new toxicology clinic on the UPH Hospital Campus. The UPH Toxic Exposures Clinic is the only occupational and environmental exposure clinic in Southern Arizona.
Working in partnership with the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, the clinic’s board-certified physicians treat a complete range of occupational and environmental exposures as well as provide consultative services for children. The UPH Toxic Exposures Clinic is part of the Adult Care Clinic on the UPH Hospital Campus. Information and appointments are available by calling (520) 874-2778.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control, poisoning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death,” said Dr. John B. Sullivan, Jr., a physician at the new clinic as well as associate director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center. “The presence of this center fills a tremendous gap in the health care system of Southern Arizona. We are now able to provide a higher level of care, as well as provide a resource for community physicians, occupational health clinics and industries in the area.”
The Toxic Exposures Clinic is staffed by Drs. Mazda Shirazi, John B. Sullivan, Jr. and Spencer C. Greene. Dr. Shirazi is medical director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center and vice-head and service chief of Emergency Medicine at UPH Hospital. Dr. Sullivan is associate director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center as well as associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the UA College of Medicine. Dr. Sullivan is a renowned medical toxicologist who was involved in developing a new effective anti-venom for North American snake bites, and as associate director of the Rocky Mountain Poison Center provided a key role in solving the well-known Chicago Tylenol cyanide poisoning case in 1982.
UPH is a nonprofit corporation created in 1985 as the medical practice of the physicians of the UA College of Medicine. Together, UPH, The University of Arizona, UPH Hospital and University Medical Center combine to care for patients, educate medical students, train young physicians and conduct clinical research. With over 400 physicians and 2000 staff, UPH is Arizona’s largest physicians group.