Occupational Medicine Residency Program
University of Toronto
ROTATION SPECIFIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
TOXICOLOGY ROTATION
General Goals of Rotation
Establish and maintain clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to Occupational
Medicine practice, with a focus on toxicology, while functioning in a professional and ethical
manner.
Specific Goals of the Rotation
At the end of the rotation the resident will be able to:
Medical Expert
1. Establish and maintain clinical knowledge in toxicology appropriate to Occupational
Medicine practice.
2. Identify the likely toxic exposure on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms.
3. Obtain detailed exposure information, including exposure histories, MSDSs, industrial
hygiene reports, appropriate databases (e.g., MSDSs, Poisondex) and other resources to
identify the hazardous ingredients of chemical agents (HAZARD IDENTIFICATION and
EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT).
4. Evaluate the severity of exposure to hazardous agents, considering dose/response
relationships (DOSE-RESPONSE assessment)
5. Interpret exposure data in the context of the scientific literature (human and animal) and the
patient’s presentation (RISK CHARACTERIZATION)
6. Assess and manage persons whose health may be affected by acute or chronic contact with
occupational/environmental chemicals.
7. Identify clinical or biochemical evidence of target organ damage when an exposure hazard
is recognized and potential long-term toxicological outcomes Including cancer and
reproductive outcomes in men and women from chemical exposures.
8. Recognize limits of own expertise and seek appropriate consultation from other health
professionals
Communicator
1. Present verbal reports and documents clinical encounters and plans effectively
2. Distinguish between hazard and risk, and communicate risk accurately to patients and
families, workers, colleagues and other professionals
3. Advise treating health care providers in the management of cases of suspected acute or
chronic toxicity, as well as advising them regarding any necessary work precautions which
may be required (e.g. decontamination of patient, personal protective equipment, etc.)
4. Understand and apply issues of confidentiality and consent to communication when
managing toxicological problems
Version: 19 September 2014
Occupational Medicine Residency Program
University of Toronto
ROTATION SPECIFIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Collaborator
1. Participate in an interdisciplinary team discussion, demonstrating the ability to accept,
consider and respect the opinions of other team members, while contributing specialtyspecific expertise him/herself.
Manager
1. Set priorities and manage time and resources to balance patient care, practice
requirements, outside activities and personal life
2. Prioritize chemical exposures in a workplace and develop and implement surveillance
programs to protect worker health.
3. Require medical screening/surveillance appropriately, according to Ontario legislation and
best practice requirements.
Health Advocate
1. Discuss primary, secondary and tertiary prevention issues with others as requested by the
patient/worker, other health care providers or stakeholders.
Scholar
1. Identify the major sources of occupational/environmental toxicological information and refer
to these to keep abreast of new developments in the field
2. Critically evaluate medical information and its sources, and apply this appropriately to
practice decisions.
3. Facilitate the learning of patients/workers, families, workplaces, health and safety
organizations, students, residents, other health professionals, the public and others
Professional
1. Demonstrate a commitment to their patients, profession, and society through ethical
practice.
Version: 19 September 2014