SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

The Medical Toxicology Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University is housed within the Department of Emergency Medicine and is uniquely positioned at Upstate's Downtown Campus. This program provides comprehensive consultation services both for hospitalized patients and outpatients who are suffering from toxicological emergencies. The Medical Toxicology Consultation service is known for its prompt availability, assisting in the diagnosis and management of poisoning and overdose cases in real-time, whether in the Emergency Department or at the bedside of hospitalized patients. This type of service has been shown to significantly reduce the duration of ICU stays and overall hospital stays, ultimately leading to better patient care outcomes and resource utilization.1

For outpatient services, the program operates a clinic dedicated to patients referred by primary physicians. This clinic focuses on ongoing evaluations of individuals exposed to various toxic substances, including household and workplace chemicals, and drug-related reactions. Referrals for patients to be seen in the outpatient clinic are made through their primary care providers.1

Training and Curriculum

The structure of the Medical Toxicology Program is designed to endow fellows with extensive training in clinical toxicology. The curriculum features a combination of clinical rotations that include intensive exposure to toxicology consultations, emergency medicine, and drug-related emergencies. Fellows engage in hands-on experience in a wide array of clinical settings, enhancing their skills in evidence-based management of toxic exposures and overdose patients. They also gain experience in interacting with multiple disciplines, including poison control and public health initiatives.1

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component of training at the program, allowing fellows to contribute to ongoing clinical studies and projects that drive advancements in toxicological medicine. Engagement in research projects serves as a critical platform for fellows to investigate the dynamics of toxic exposures, treatment methodologies, and overall patient outcomes, thus fostering a robust academic environment.1

Selection Process and Competitiveness

The Medical Toxicology Fellowship Program is noted for its competitiveness, attracting a diverse applicant pool, including graduates from both MD and DO pathways. The program is also considered friendly towards International Medical Graduates (IMGs), offering an array of supportive services for visa sponsorship. The fellowship is open to non-US citizens, specifically supporting J-1 visa types.1

Applicants must typically have completed a residency in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics to be eligible. While there are no strict guidelines on failed attempts of board examinations (like the USMLE Steps or COMLEX), candidates who have shown resilience in overcoming challenges are preferred. Additionally, specific requirements may exist regarding the year of graduation from medical school to ensure candidates possess pertinent and contemporary medical training.1

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

Fellows in the program rotate through various clinical settings, including Upstate University Hospital, which serves as a Level-One Trauma Center. This facility caters to a large volume of acute care cases, allowing fellows to refine their critical care skills in a fast-paced emergency environment. In addition to direct patient care in the Emergency Department, fellows participate in subspecialty rotations to enhance their expertise in managing complex toxicological cases.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

One standout feature of the Medical Toxicology Program is the established link with the Central New York Poison Center, which provides fellows with access to expert consultations on challenging toxicological cases. This collaboration enriches the fellows' understanding of toxicity treatment strategies and case management protocols. Furthermore, the Emergency Department is dedicated to various initiatives such as the Emergency Opioid Bridge Clinic which supports patients experiencing opioid withdrawal, demonstrating the program's commitment to addressing contemporary public health challenges.2

The program's dedication to a multidisciplinary approach is complemented by its involvement in community outreach and education, empowering healthcare providers and the public to recognize and address toxicological emergencies effectively.1

In essence, the Medical Toxicology Fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University provides an extensive training experience rooted in clinical excellence, innovative research, and a compassionate approach to the care of poisoned and overdosed patients.