Poison Center/Toxicology Rotation

Preceptor: Douglas J. Borys, Pharm.D., DABAT

Serving the 30 counties and 2.5 million people of Central Texas, the Central Texas Poison Center (CTPC) at Scott & White is one of the six centers that comprise the Texas Poison Center Network.

The CTPC assisted in the management of 25,275 patients exposed to poisonous products in 2007. Of that number 55% were exposures in small children. Hospital care was required for 5,690 patients. In addition, the poison center documented 25,079 calls for information and made 36,222 follow-up calls. Those calls include adverse drug reactions, medication errors, drug identification and limited patient counseling.

At the completion of the Poison Center elective rotation the resident will have developed skills in communicating and understanding patients and caregivers via telephone. By working side by side with Poison Center staff pharmacists and nurses, the resident will acquire the ability to assess, document and respond to calls relating to poisonings. The resident will have an opportunity to round on toxicology patients in Scott & White Hospital. Through those interactions the resident will gain understanding into the unique care of the poisoned patient in both the emergency and intensive care setting.

Overall, the Poison Center rotation provides the resident with knowledge in clinical toxicology and telephone communication.

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