Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School Program

The Medical Toxicology Fellowship at Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School is a comprehensive two-year program accredited by the ACGME, designed to equip fellows with the skills required for excellence in the field of medical toxicology. This fellowship is integrated within the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES), which serves a diverse population and handles approximately 50,000 poison-related inquiries annually.

The fellowship program is structured to provide extensive clinical exposure through active participation in both the poison center and hospital-based toxicology services. With the affiliation to University Hospital, fellows are trained at one of New Jersey's three Level 1 trauma centers, gaining valuable hands-on experience with a broad array of challenging clinical cases.

Program Objectives

Fellows will learn to:

• Provide competent bedside and telemedicine care for various toxicologic emergencies.
• Master the diagnosis and management of poisoned patients, substance withdrawal, and environmental toxicology.
• Engage in research leading to innovative practices in medical toxicology.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate across specialties to improve patient outcomes.

Curriculum and Training

The training curriculum includes comprehensive didactic sessions, hands-on experience, clinical rounds, and research projects. Daily didactic sessions emphasize core content and current literature, fostering a robust educational environment. The fellowship incorporates:

• Daily fellows' rounds mediated by faculty.
• Journal clubs focused on current toxicology research.
• Active participation in national conferences and case discussions with a collaborative network of poison control centers.

Rotations and Experiences

Fellows will have the opportunity to work closely with seasoned faculty members who are leaders in toxicology and addiction medicine. The unique combined fellowship—a first of its kind—merges Addiction Medicine and Medical Toxicology, thereby offering fellows a multidisciplinary approach that enhances their understanding and versatility in treating substance use and toxicological emergencies.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects relevant to their clinical interests, with access to the vast resources available through Rutgers University. The program supports various scholarly activities, including project design, execution, and publication of findings in prominent medical journals.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is part of an increasingly competitive field; therefore, applicants must be board-eligible or board-certified in a primary specialty. Importantly, candidates must meet the licensing requirements for New Jersey and obtain a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration registration prior to beginning the fellowship. The program accepts candidates with a variety of backgrounds, including international medical graduates (IMGs), underscoring its commitment to fostering diversity in medicine.

Although there are no specific restrictions regarding failed STEP exams, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a strong academic background and clinical competency in their application.

Visa Support

The Medical Toxicology program at Rutgers Health can sponsor specific visa types for exceptional candidates as per institutional guidelines, allowing flexibility in recruiting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographies.

Living and Working in Newark

Fellows in the program benefit from the vibrant urban setting of Newark. Accessible living options range from campus-based apartments to charming neighborhoods nearby. The location provides a rich clinical experience due to its urban patient population, exposing fellows to complex cases that require astute clinical skills and judgment.

Diversity and Inclusiveness

The program is deeply committed to diversity and equity in the medical workforce. It actively seeks to include underrepresented groups in medicine, fostering a learning environment that prepares fellows to meet the needs of the diverse communities they will serve throughout their careers.