Clinical Toxicology Expertise
Before transitioning into psychiatry, I spent nearly five years at the West Virginia Poison Center, where I developed a deep foundation in medical toxicology through direct consultation and triage of thousands of toxic exposures. As a Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI), I managed nearly 10,000 cases spanning all age groups, including accidental pediatric ingestions, intentional overdoses, drug interactions, withdrawal syndromes, and hazardous material exposures. I regularly advised emergency departments and ICUs across the state, delivering real-time treatment recommendations in high-acuity scenarios.
In 2021, I became board-certified through America’s Poison Centers after managing more than 2,000 documented human exposures and passing a rigorous national exam—earning one of the top scores in the country among first-time test takers. I also served as a shift supervisor, trained new hires, and provided structured education to fourth-year pharmacy students on toxicologic principles and case management. I was honored to be featured in the national America’s Poison Centers newsletter for my work in clinical education, leadership, and innovation within the field.
My toxicology work gave me extensive experience with both prescription and over-the-counter medications, including many of the agents commonly used in psychiatric practice. I developed advanced knowledge of psychotropic overdoses, including lithium, SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and mood stabilizers—alongside in-depth familiarity with antidotes like N-acetylcysteine, sodium bicarbonate, flumazenil (when appropriate), and supportive measures like airway protection and cardiac monitoring. I also frequently managed poisonings involving acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, antihistamines, NSAIDs, and polypharmacy scenarios in medically complex patients.
Working in toxicology required rapid risk assessment, a deep understanding of pharmacokinetics, and the ability to anticipate complications before they occurred. These are the same skills I now use in psychiatry when designing treatment plans for patients with comorbid conditions, past adverse drug reactions, or complex medication histories.
How My Toxicology Background Supports Psychiatric Care
I bring this pharmacologic insight into every psychiatric evaluation I perform. My knowledge of medication mechanisms, metabolism, drug-drug interactions, and toxic thresholds allows me to prescribe safely and with precision—particularly for patients with complex histories, multiple medications, or previous adverse effects.
Understanding how medications behave in overdose gives me a unique perspective on their therapeutic use. I routinely apply this knowledge to assess the safety profile of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, especially in individuals at elevated risk for self-harm. It also enhances my ability to educate patients on what to expect, how to monitor for side effects, and how to safely manage their treatment over time.
While I no longer work in toxicology full-time, the clinical judgment, crisis management, and pharmacologic depth I developed continue to shape my practice as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. It is one of the key reasons I emphasize patient safety, shared decision-making, and long-term tolerability in every treatment plan I build.