Physician Experts in Human Poisoning Recognized by ACMT
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) August 13, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will grant prestigious Fellow status to eighteen physician specialists in medical toxicology at the upcoming annual toxicology meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on the 28th of September. Fellow status within ACMT (FACMT) recognizes board-certified medical toxicologists who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, public service, and clinical care to patients. According to Suzanne White, M.D., president of ACMT, “FACMT status is an outward sign of an inner commitment to standards, achieving excellence, and protecting the public.”
Poisoning is a growing public health concern in the United States. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, injury and poisoning is now the leading cause for pediatric emergency department visits, and poisoning resulting from opioid abuse and misuse has reached epidemic proportions. There are currently approximately 500 board certified medical toxicology specialists in practice. This leaves a shortage of specialty trained physicians that are available to care for patients and to provide consultations regarding the optimal management of patients exposed to a variety of poisons and medications. According to Howard Greller, M.D., a member of the ACMT Board of Directors, “The College receives frequent inquiries from the public asking for referrals to out-patient medical toxicology practices. Unfortunately, many regions do not have these services and patients must travel long distances to consult with a medical toxicologist.” Most practicing medical toxicologists are associated with academic health centers and emergency departments, particularly in metropolitan areas.
In order to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health, ACMT promotes the expansion of the specialty through education, grants, research opportunities, and awards to physicians in medical education training programs. Lewis Nelson, M.D., past-president of ACMT, reports “it is the vision of ACMT that every potentially poisoned patient or population will have direct access to the expertise of a board-certified medical toxicologist.”
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of activities.
ACMT, American College of Medical Toxicology, http://www.acmt.net, 623-533-6340, [email protected]
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