Medical toxicologists are physicians who specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and monitoring of injury and illness from exposures to drugs and chemicals, as well as biological and radiological agents. Medical toxicologists care for people in clinical, academic, governmental, and public health settings, and provide poison control center leadership. Important areas of medical toxicology include acute drug poisoning; adverse drug events; drug abuse, addiction, and withdrawal; chemicals and hazardous materials; terrorism preparedness; venomous bites and stings; and environmental and workplace exposures.
The American Board of Medical Toxicology (ABMT) was established in 1974 by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology in recognition of the growing responsibilities placed on physicians who provide a dedicated portion of their professional activities to Medical Toxicology. In 1990, ABMT diplomates voted to investigate recognition within the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) with focus on the issuance of a subspecialty certificate by interested ABMS member boards.
