Poison Control Center
We have a close working relationship with the regional Poison Control Center (PCC). Operated out of Childrens' Hospital of Philadelphia with Kevin Osterhoudt, M.D. at the helm, the PCC handles thousands of call from area residents and hospitals per year. Allison Muller, Pharm.D. serves as the clinical managing director and Fred Henretig, M.D. serves as the associate medical director.
Our fellows play an integral role at the PCC. They take call for the PCC several times per month, handling complex toxicology cases that cannot be managed by the protocols in place for the certified specialists in poison information (CSPIs). The fellows also present interesting cases or emerging toxicology issues at the PCC grand rounds, held monthly. Also, they take a leading role in the PCC journal club, teaching area residents how to critically evaluate literature.
Affiliate Hospitals
In addition to providing telephone consultations for all of the hospitals through the regional Poison Control Center, the fellows provide beside consultation at each of our four hospitals. To minimize busy work, we do not admit patients primarily to our service. Bedside toxicological consultations are important for several reasons:
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Fellows are exposed to toxidromes, such as serotonin syndrome
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Fellows provide education to house staff primarily caring for the patient
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Bedside consultation improves the visibility of our specialty and our service
Hahnemann University Hospital
Hahnemann University Hospital is an urban hospital tertiary care referral hospital located in the center of Philadelphia. For fellows with minimal experience in providing emergency care in the adult population, rotation through the Hahnemann emergency department will be provided.
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children is a tertiary referral pediatric hospital located in North Philadelphia, an urban underserved area. For fellows with minimal experience in providing emergency care in the pediatric population, rotation through the St. Christopher's emergency department will be provided.
Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia
Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia is located in West Philadelphia, an urban underserved area. For fellows with minimal experience in providing intensive care unit care in the adult population, rotation through the Mercy Philadelphia critical care unit will be provided.
Mercy-Fitzgerald Hospital
Mercy-Fitzgerald hospital serves the suburban community of Darby, PA. Fellows are frequently consulted at this hospital for occupational and self-injurious exposures.