Health Care Professionals

MPC pharmacists and nurses undergo rigorous training in toxicology, are nationally certified as specialists in poison information, and work under the direction of medical toxicologists. Poison specialists provide assessment and treatment recommendations to improve patient outcomes, decrease unnecessary ED visits, and allow for improved use of other health care resources. We follow patients through their hospital stay and continue to make treatment recommendations as necessary. Patients managed with poison center expertise experience shorter hospitalizations, which helps health care providers serve more patients and decreases health care costs.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
All calls to MPC are confidential. Patient information is protected in compliance with HIPAA regulations, with poison centers specifically recognized in the privacy rule. For additional information about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, contact Dr. James Leonard at jleonard@rx.umaryland.edu or (410) 528-7523.

Health Professional Education Programs
MPC provides continuing education for health professionals through lectures, in-services, and conferences. Explore this section for more information about professional education programs and how to request a speaker. On-site rotations for health professional students, residents, fellows, and EMS providers are also available.

ToxTidbits
MPC publishes a monthly newsletter for health professionals entitled ToxTidbits. This newsletter contains important toxicology information, updates, and news. Find out how you can subscribe to the newsletter and read past issues in this section.

Antidote Recommendations and ToxTidbits: Antidote Facts
Recommendations about antidotes, including how much of each should be available in hospitals, can be found in this section. Supplemental reviews of the antidotes can also be found in ToxTidbits: Antidote Facts.

Emergency Medical Services
MPC is a poisoning and overdose assessment and management resource for EMS providers. Our specialists can determine whether EMS transport is needed, offer treatment recommendations, and notify receiving hospitals prior to your arrival. Read more about our consultation and education services for EMS providers in this section.

Clinical Toxicology Fellowship
MPC and the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy offer a two-year fellowship in clinical toxicology. The goal of this fellowship is to train graduates from a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program to function in a professional, administrative, and research capacity in a regional poison center, clinical toxicology service, and/or academic environment. More information about this fellowship can be found in this section.

Additional Resources:

Enclosed Space Fires and the Risk of Cyanide Exposure
Each year, there are more than 1.3 million fires in the U.S. Download this infographic from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) to learn about the risk of cyanide exposure from fires in enclosed spaces.