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 one of our specialists: Danielle Yu.
Why did you go into the field of pharmacy?
I always knew I wanted to do something medical related for work. Both my mom and grandma are pharmacists, so as I grew up I saw them help their patients and even some of our family members with their medicines.
How did you end up working at the poison center?
When I was in pharmacy school, I did a rotation at the MPC and it kickstarted my interest in toxicology. Once I graduated from pharmacy school, I searched for a job working at a poison center.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
It is never the same day when I work a shift! There is always a good diversity of cases ranging from the super complex to the more easily managed cases we can follow up with and keep them at home. I also enjoy being able to apply clinical knowledge while still being able to interact with the public. Poison Centers are readily accessible and improve public health!
Why are poison centers and poison specialists like you important?
Poison Centers are important because we are able to help prevent unnecessary visits to the emergency room. Some cases will need to be sent to the emergency room though, and if that’s the case then poison specialists are able to help with the case until they are discharged.
Poison Specialists are also important because we are able to provide reassurance to worried parents and people, always being there as someone easily accessible and knowledgeable about poisonings.
What’s an important message you want to share about poison safety?
We recommend storing things up, away, and out of sight from kids, but some may still get into items such as medicines and cleaning products. There is no such thing as child proof. Medicines and household cleaning products have child resistant closures which are meant to slow down children from opening the product but not keep them out.
Sometimes things will happen and it’s important to know we are a resource for everyone. We are open 24/7/365 and it’s always free and confidential to call.
Lastly, keep things stored in their original labeled containers. People often call us because they’ve eaten or drank something stored incorrectly.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
In my free time I enjoy going hiking and hanging out with family. I also have some niche hobbies such as blind boxes, playing video games, and finding new restaurants.
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