The perfect antidote for an ordinary career.
Poison control pharmacists must often make quick decisions and clearly respond to urgent questions about poisonous chemicals, hazardous toxins, and serious drug interactions.
Situations can vary widely, including those related to children who swallow household cleaners, toxic responses to herbal supplements or over-the-counter medicines, bites and stings from poisonous animals, environmental hazards, and more.
In addition to the general public, poison control pharmacists respond to questions from emergency medical services, law enforcement, hospitals, physician offices, schools, and medical examiners. They also develop prevention protocols and educate other health care professionals on the toxicity of drugs and other materials.
Poison control pharmacists don’t usually handle medications during their jobs, but instead provide care by applying their extensive medication expertise.
Practice Setting: Poison control pharmacists often work in hospitals or poison control centers.
Educational Requirements: They generally complete 1-2 years in a residency after earning a PharmD degree.
Patients: Poison control pharmacists don’t usually work directly with patients. Instead, they share their expertise with a variety of parties including the general public, law enforcement, hospital staff, and more.
Traits: You are less interested in working directly with patients, and can make decisions in a crisis. Additionally, you are a good listener, are able to communicate clearly and calmly under pressure, and are interested in the effect of toxic materials on the body.