One of the goals of our eAntidote blog is to introduce you to the real poison experts who answer the phones at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC), as well as our staff members. In addition to being nurses and pharmacists, they are parents, grandparents, artists, athletes, sports fans, and more! Read the Q&A below to get to know our toxicology fellow: Melinda Lee.
Why did you go into the field of pharmacy?
When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to work in the medical field. At the time I was deeply fascinated with forensic science. I learned about the field of pharmacy and I thought it would be a good midpoint between medicine and forensics. I love how versatile pharmacy is and how there is no “right” route to practice with the many different types of pharmacy practice and pathways to get there. At the end of the day, pharmacists are all here to help people!
How did you end up working at the poison center?
One of my professors in pharmacy school is a toxicologist at the Upstate New York Poison Center. He talked a bit about his work during lectures and I thought it was really interesting. Then I had the opportunity to do a rotation at the Upstate New York Poison Center with their clinical toxicology fellow which solidified my interest in toxicology. During pharmacy school I wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to do after graduating, but after my experience at the poison center I knew this was a field I would thrive in.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really enjoy the variety of cases we get at the Poison Center, there’s always something new to learn about! It keeps me on my toes, and I love the problem solving that goes into each case we manage. I also like how accessible we are to the general public along with health care professionals! I still get that direct patient interaction but am also able to work on clinical cases with other health care professionals.
Why are Poison Centers and poison specialists like you important?
Poison Centers and poison specialists are important because we are accessible to everyone at any time of the day. We are here to help whether you have been poisoned, exposed to anything dangerous, or if you have a general question about poisonings. Not only do we help people who immediately need help, we do a lot of behind-the-scenes work collecting data to do research and prevent future poisonings.
What’s an important message you want to share about poison safety?
Call us! Whether it’s a question or if you need help, we are a free and confidential resource available to everyone. Our team is made up of pharmacists and nurses specialized in managing poisonings and overdoses. We are the people to contact if a poisoning has happened (or may have happened, but you aren’t totally sure) and can potentially save you an expensive trip to the emergency department. Most poisonings can be prevented so make sure you keep any sort of medicines, household products, and other chemicals safely stored up, away, and out of sight if you have children or visitors around. Children have a nifty ability to get into things they shouldn’t!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Outside of work I enjoy playing video games with friends or catching up on my favorite shows or books. I’m a big foodie so I love trying new recipes and I’m excited to scope out the food scene in Maryland!
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