Daniel J. Cobaugh, Pharm.D., DABAT
Poison Center/Clinical Toxicology Practice

Role
Poison centers in the United States receive over 2 million calls annually from the general public and health professionals regarding toxic and potentially toxic exposures to pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals. The Specialist in Poison Information is the front-line provider who obtains the history of the exposure, makes an assessment of the toxicity risk, and determines the initial treatment for the patient. Often, physicians will consult the poison center on many aspects of the patient’s care.

The poison center is almost always a fertile academic environment that provides educational opportunities for pharmacy students, medical students, pharmacy residents, and residents from many medical specialties. The Specialist in Poison Information is directly involved in these educational programs and has an opportunity to participate in toxicology research. After 1 year of poison center service and management of 2,000 cases, most Specialists in Poison Information sit for the Certified Specialist in Poison Information examination offered by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Many pharmacists choose careers as clinical toxicologists. Following completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, these individuals usually complete a clinical toxicology fellowship and become board certified by the American Board of Applied Toxicology. The pharmacist/clinical toxicologist practices in a variety of settings. Often these individuals become poison center directors, while others choose positions that enable them to have a clinical inpatient practice along with teaching and research opportunities. Some pharmacists/clinical toxicologists utilize their skills in professional associations or industry.

How They Got There
As a fourth year pharmacy student, Dan volunteered at the Pittsburgh Poison Center. After completing a Doctor of Pharmacy program and a pharmacy-practice residency, he became a clinical toxicology fellow at the Pittsburgh Poison Center/University of Pittsburgh. After the fellowship, Dan became coordinator of the inpatient toxicology program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and earned board certification in 1992. He went on to become the director of the Finger Lakes Regional Poison and Drug Information Center and director of Emergency Medicine Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dan is currently with the American Society of Health System Pharmacists’ Section of Home, Ambulatory, and Chronic Care Practitioners. Although the connection might not be immediately apparent, he believes that “helping pharmacists help people make the best use of medicines” is directly related to reducing morbidity and mortality associated with adverse drug events and toxicities from medications.

Other Professional Activities
Throughout his career, Dan has authored many writings including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, non-referenced articles, and research abstracts. He has also participated in several sponsored research projects. Dan has chaired and served on several committees of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the American Board of Applied Toxicology. His involvement with the Association of Poison Control Centers of New York State as both a member and past president, led to several policy initiatives that affected poison center funding at state and federal levels. As associate director at the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Dan worked on several projects including establishment of a single nationwide toll-free number for poison centers. Dan has served as editorial board member and reviewer for dozens of journals and institutions. His career has enabled him to gain exposure to poison center practice around the world through his activities as a consultant to the World Health Organization’s International Programme on Chemical Safety.

Advanced Training
To become a Pharmacist/ Specialist in Poison Information, you need a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree. Specialty practice as a pharmacist/toxicologist requires fellowship training and board certification by the American Board of Applied Toxicology.

Advice
“ Throughout your career, strive to make a difference in the lives of your patients. Do not underestimate the impact that pharmacists can have on clinical care, patient and health professional education, and research. Work hard, meet your commitments, but seek balance between family, friends, and career.”