Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University School of Medicine
Department of Emergency Medicine

Toxicology section navigation

Department of Emergency Medicine

Toxicology

The Section of Medical Toxicology in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Emory University is devoted to teaching, patient care, and research in the field of Medical Toxicology. Since its establishment in 1996 with one toxicologist, the section has grown to include seven Emergency Medicine-trained medical toxicologists.

Vision and Mission

Vision: To be recognized as a national and international leader in the field of medical toxicology

Mission: To provide compassionate and innovative medical toxicology care to a diverse population. Develop and research innovative, preventive and therapeutic strategies in the field of medical toxicology. To train diverse clinicians in the care of poisoned patients locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally



About the EM Toxicology Section

The primary activities of the Section of Medical Toxicology include:

  • Inpatient consultation service
  • Medical toxicology residency program
  • International toxicology residency program
  • Outpatient clinics

The Medical Toxicology consultation service evaluates patients at:

The consultation service is available 24 hours a day to assist emergency physicians and admitting physicians in the evaluation and treatment of poisoned patients, and participates in the care of over 500 patients each year. Section members have unique knowledge and access to resources that are tremendously valuable in managing these challenging patients.



Teaching

On a daily basis, the members teach medical toxicology and clinical pharmacology to residents in:

  • Medical Toxicology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Internal Medicine

The Section provides a monthly Medical Toxicology rotation for residents and medical students from Emory University and other institutions. They are also involved in several teaching venues at the Emory School of Medicine including leading the Capstone Pharmacology course and the development of Medical Toxicology simulation cases delivered at the Emory School of Medicine Simulation Center. An Introduction to Medical Toxicology lecture was also developed and is given to all interns and medical students that rotate through the Emory University Department of Emergency Medicine.



Education Programs

Georgia Poison Control Partnership

Along with the Emory University Department of Pediatrics, the members also provide medical direction for the Georgia Poison Center - the third busiest poison center in the United States - receiving approximately 90,000 phone calls per year. Medical direction is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week to cover the citizens of Georgia.

The Poison Center plays a key role in Georgia's disaster planning and provides ongoing education to Georgia healthcare providers.  

For more information, visit the Georgia Poison Center website. 



Outreach

The Section members educate Georgia healthcare providers in the management of poisoned patients by speaking at regional meetings and providing frequent in-services to many of Georgia's hospitals. Section members are also heavily involved in the education of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers through the presentation of Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS) courses. AHLS is a continuing education program designed for EMS and other health professionals. Section members have presented over 50 AHLS courses in Georgia, including having a course in every GEMA district and have trained over 1000 healthcare providers in the care of the HAZMAT patient.