Medical Toxicology Rotation Expectations & Curriculum

Typical Schedule

While rotators are with the Medical Toxicology service, they can expect a schedule similar to the following:

Monday

8 a.m. North Texas Poison Center pre-rounds: rotators with fellows
9:30 a.m. NTPC rounds: attending teaching
2 p.m. Independent literature review and study

Tuesday

8 a.m. NTPC pre-rounds and rounds: fellows teaching
10 a.m. Tuesday Medical Toxicology Conference
3 p.m. Independent literature review and study

Wednesday

8 a.m. NTPC pre-rounds: rotators with fellows
9:30 a.m. NTPC rounds: attending teaching
2 p.m. Independent literature review and study

Thursday

8 a.m. Rotators attend Emergency Medicine Residency Conference; Pharmacy students work in NTPC

Friday

8 a.m. NTPC pre-rounds: rotators with fellows
9:30 a.m. NTPC rounds: attending teaching
2 p.m. Independent literature review and study

Curriculum

Curriculum will vary depending on the needs of the student. For example, a pharmacy student may have a different need than a medical student or a senior Emergency Medicine resident.

In general, the rotator will learn to:

Describe various approaches to decontamination and the risks/benefits of each

Activated charcoal
Cathartics
Gastric emptying
Whole bowel irrigation

Find information on toxicology on the internet and in books
Discuss the Pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and management of toxic exposures to the following:

Acetaminophen
Anticonvulsants
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Aspirin
Benzodiazepines
Ethanol
Household products
Lithium
Muscle relaxants
Opioids
Toxic alcohols

Recognize common management mistakes
Appropriately apply various antidotes

Dress Code

Rotators will need a white clinical coat for visiting hospitalized patients. During class rounds, business casual attire is recommended. Ties are not required but jeans, non-collared shirts, and shirts with inappropriate sayings are not acceptable.

Attendance

Rotators’ days on the Medical Toxicology service are short, therefore we adhere to a strict attendance policy. Please limit absences to only those absolutely necessary.