ACMT to Present Annual Scientific Meeting in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) February 25, 2014 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will hold its Annual Scientific Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona from March 28-30, 2014. The conference explores how technology can be used to improve the care of poisoned patients while recognizing the unintended consequences of technological advances. This three-day educational program is intended for physicians and other health care providers wishing to update and expand their knowledge of advances in medical toxicology including telemedicine, educational technologies, and tools used to promote medication safety and prevent adverse drug effects. The conference will be held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel.
Conference topics will include review of modern technological tools used for both direct and indirect aspects of care for patients experiencing toxin-related adverse effects. Advancements in diagnosis and management of drug-induced liver failure as well as availability of special toxicology testing to assess patients exposed to emerging drugs of abuse will be discussed. Use of technology to assist in end-of-life decisions including declaring brain death and determining suitability of organs for transplantation from the poisoned patient will be examined.
Faculty will review some of the most useful medical applications available for computers and mobile devices and how they have the potential to greatly streamline medical care. Other sessions will demonstrate how large databases serve as powerful statistical tools that have the potential to identify pharmacoepidemiologic trends, recognize population-level responses to interventions, and suggest areas for improvement in safe medication use. Telemedicine, a burgeoning means to bring medical toxicology specialist-level care to poisoned patients in remote, rural health care settings, will also be examined.
Topics in environmental toxicology to be considered include methods available to first responders to detect hazardous substances in the environment and a unique exploration of the controversies regarding the toxicity of aircraft breathing air. In addition, the use of expired antivenoms to treat snake envenomation and the use of non-FDA approved antivenoms to treat bites by venomous exotic snakes, along with the costs associated with these novel antidotes, will be examined.
The conference will feature a variety of educational formats, including lecture presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Speakers include nationally recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of human poisoning, telemedicine, and neurology. Original research will be highlighted, with scientists presenting their work in both platform and poster formats. According to Louise Kao, MD, Chair of the conference planning committee, “The ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting will be an exciting exploration of the intersection of medical toxicology with emerging technology. Research presentations will range from studies of new treatments for poisoned patients to the implications of technological advancements in public health interventions designed to reduce methamphetamine and prescription opioid abuse.”
The Annual Scientific Meeting will follow the day-long Natural Toxins Academy on March 27, also sponsored by ACMT. The Natural Toxins Academy is open to all healthcare providers and will provide in-depth education regarding identification and management of natural toxic products including herbal remedies, plants, and snake venoms. Earth and Fire Erowid from the Erowid Center will be discussing use of current herbal products and extracts as recreational drugs.
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, +1 (623) 533-6340, [email protected]
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