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eAntidote
Blog of the Maryland Poison Center
  • Blog
  • Maryland Poison Center
  • About 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.

16 December 2021

12 Days of Poison Hazards

Guest Staff Holiday Safety, Home, Poison Exposures Leave a Comment
A collage of images of the 12 poison hazards listed in the blog

Poisonings don’t take a break for the holidays! Learn about these 12 days of poison hazards to keep you and your family safe.

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30 November 2021

What You Should Know About Camphor

Guest Staff camphor, Safe Storage Leave a Comment
A collage of three photos- container of cold rub, woman pointing to cold sore on lip, and a man holding the back of his neck

Camphor is a chemical used in a variety of medicines and household products around the world. It is commonly used in creams for its cooling sensation and to provide relief for coughs, itching, cold sores, or sore muscles.

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26 October 2021

The Secrets of Succulents

Guest Staff Plants Leave a Comment
A collage of 4 photos of spurge succulents including the canary island spurge, pencil cactus, cathedral cactus, and malayan spurge tree

Many people enjoy gardening. It’s a fun hobby with endless options of plants to choose from! Succulents are popular garden additions. They are valued for their hardiness, meaning they thrive in different temperatures, levels of light, and time between watering.

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22 July 2021

Meet Our Experts: Angela

Guest Staff Pharmacist, Poison Expert, Toxicology Fellowship Leave a Comment
Dr. Angela Lam

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 our toxicology fellow: Angela Lam.

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15 April 2021

What You Should Know About Melatonin

Guest Staff Medicine, Medicine Safety Leave a Comment
Eye mask, pills and alarm clock on a bedside table over night sky. Getting rid of insomnia, remedies for good restful sleep.

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by our bodies. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement. Melatonin can help you sleep better when used in the right way and right amount.

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27 August 2020

Meet Our Experts: Nick

Guest Staff Pharmacist, Poison Expert, Toxicology Fellowship Leave a Comment
Dr. Nick Husak

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 our toxicology fellow: Nick Husak.

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28 July 2020

Mixing Medicines with Alcohol

Guest Staff Adults, Alcohol, Medicine, Medicine Safety, Older Adults Leave a Comment
A group of hands holding alcoholic drinks for a cheers

“My doctor just gave me a new medicine to take; can I drink alcohol with it?” This is how many conversations begin at the Maryland Poison Center. The answer to the question can vary depending on the medicine.

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26 June 2020

Meet Our Experts: Heather S.

Guest Staff Pharmacist, Poison Expert, Specialist in Poison Information Leave a Comment
Heather Sellman

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 specialist: Heather Sellman.

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10 December 2019

Why So Many Questions?

Guest Staff About Us, Poison Expert, Specialist in Poison Information Leave a Comment
Jen Malloy

When you call the poison center, you often need information or help with a particular situation. You just want an answer to your question. We asked Jen, one of our poison experts, to explain why we ask a series of questions.

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22 November 2019

Meet Our Experts: Jimmy

Guest Staff Pharmacist, Poison Expert, Toxicology Fellowship Leave a Comment
James Leonard

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 specialist: James (Jimmy) Leonard.

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Recent Posts

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