Preceptor: Robert Hoffman, MD
Course Code: 17-31
Telephone: 212-447-2102
Email: nyusomtox@gmail.com

Prerequisites: 2-week rotation: None. 4-week rotation: All Clerkships

Description

Medical toxicologists care for patients suffering from intentional or inadvertent exposure to pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse, industrial and hazardous materials, environmental chemicals, plant toxins, and animal venoms. The purpose of this elective is: (1) To integrate pharmacology, pathophysiology and clinical medicine, in order to understand the care of poisoned patient (2) To learn how to evaluate and treat common toxic exposures (3) To expose the medical student to the resources and structure of a regional poison control center.

Objectives of the Elective

Students will understand the evaluation of poisoned patients. Students will be able to describe the pharmacology and toxicology of common poisons, understand the use of common antidotes and to describe the function of poison centers.

Key Responsibilities of the student while on Elective

1. To attend all conferences and lectures
2. To perform daily follow up poisoned patients (AKA “Call backs”)
3. To present articles for Journal Club once during 4 week elective
4. Brief presentation (5-10 minute) at the end of the rotation on a topic picked by the student

Didactic Program

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri; 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Emergency Medicine Rounds
Daily 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Toxicology Case Follow-up
Daily 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Toxicology Rounds (Note that start time may change daily and will be posted in NYCPCCevery morning at 9AM)
First Thursday of each month @2-4 p.m. Consultant's Conference (A regional gathering of toxicologists presenting unique cases of the month)
All other Thursdays 9:00 a.m. Journal Club
Optional: NYU Emergency Medicine Residency Weekly Wednesday Conference from 8AM-Noon

Method of Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on their performance on rounds, “call backs” and a small individual project.

Scheduling Information

Months Offered: All year except June
Students Per Period: Variable based on the month and availability
Report to: Poison Center - 455 first avenue room 123 at 9AM on the first day
Duration: Four Weeks