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eAntidote
Blog of the Maryland Poison Center
  • Blog
  • Maryland Poison Center
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
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Author Description

Guest Staff

From time to time, we’ll feature posts from one of our staff members. We have 14 Specialists in Poison Information (we call them “SPIs,” pronounced like “spy”) who are pharmacists or nurses that have more than 250 combined years of experience answering our phones, and who have all passed an additional certification exam that tests their knowledge of poisons of all kinds. We also have Toxicology Fellows who are completing a two-year fellowship in clinical toxicology to develop their knowledge and skills to prepare them for their future career. Before joining our team, they worked in pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals. It’s safe to say they’ve heard it all.

31 August 2023

Poisonings Throughout History: Olive Thomas

Guest Staff Historic Poisonings, Mercury Leave a Comment
Split photo with a black and white portrait of Olive Thomas on the left and an antique bottle of Mercury Bichloride on the right

Olive Thomas was a well-known model and silent-film actress in the early 1900s. She died from what was likely accidental poisoning of mercury bichloride.

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23 August 2023

Meet Our Experts: Victoria

Guest Staff Pharmacist, Poison Expert, Toxicology Fellowship Leave a Comment
Victoria Macdonald

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. Read this Q&A to get to know one of our toxicology fellows: Victoria Macdonald.

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27 July 2023

Little to Large Problem: The Danger of Water Beads

Guest Staff Children, Poison Safety, Toy Safety, Water Beads Leave a Comment
A bowl of hydrated water beads and a child's hands above holding some water beads

Water beads can cause physical harm and have the potential of causing a severe, and sometimes deadly, small bowel obstruction in children.

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30 June 2023

Meet Our Experts: Amy

Guest Staff Pharmacist, Poison Expert, Specialist in Poison Information Leave a Comment
Dr. Amy B.

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. Read this Q&A to get to know one of our specialists: Amy B.

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04 May 2023

What You Should Know About Skin Lightening Products

Guest Staff Cosmetics, Skin Exposures, Skin Lightening Products Leave a Comment
Beautiful woman hands with container of cream on dark background.

Skin lightening products often say they’ll give you lighter, clearer skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots on your face, like acne scars or freckles. However, many skin lightening products contain dangerous ingredients that can actually harm the health of your skin and cause serious, long-term health problems.

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21 April 2023

Mushrooms: Hungry for Trouble

Guest Staff Mushrooms Leave a Comment
Collage of toxic mushrooms

As winter fades, mushroom hunters may begin looking for their favorite treats in local forests and meadows. However, mushroom picking should be done with caution, as there are many toxic mushrooms that resemble edible ones.

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30 March 2023

Meet Our Experts: Liz

Guest Staff Nurse, Poison Expert, Specialist in Poison Information Leave a Comment
Liz Fugate

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. Read this Q&A to get to know one of our specialists: Liz Fugate

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15 December 2022

Student Reflections – Fall 2022

Guest Staff Nursing School, Pharmacy School Leave a Comment
Poison Specialist and Pharmacy student collaborating at the MPC

We often have students from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy or the University of Maryland School of Nursing rotating through the poison center for their respective programs. Learn about the experiences and reflections of two students during their Fall 2022 rotations.

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29 November 2022

Meet Our Experts: Rama

Guest Staff Pharmacist, Poison Expert, Specialist in Poison Information Leave a Comment
Rama Arvind

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. Read this Q&A to get to know one of our specialists: Rama Arvind

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26 October 2022

Don’t be Spooked by these Halloween Hazards

Guest Staff Halloween Leave a Comment
Mother an daughter in Halloween costumes painting each others faces with Halloween decorations in the background

Is your little ghost or ghoul ready to go trick or treating? Are you having a Halloween party? Review some commonly encountered Halloween hazards to keep you and your family safe.

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Recent Posts

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    Cheers Without Fears – Safe Alcohol Practice at Gatherings December 19, 2025
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