Clinical Toxicology

What is Clinical Toxicology

Toxicology deals with the study of the harmful effects of chemical or physical substances on the living organism. There are several branches of toxicology out of which clinical toxicology is the most important one because, despite advancement in medical science and pharmacology, the incidents of death due to the poisoning effect of drugs and medicines have been rising. Stricter drug developmental rules, better packaging, and immediate first aid do help in reducing the mortality rates due to toxicology to a certain extent, but it is only a certified clinical toxicologist who can indicate the exact need for further treatment and perhaps, the best antidote to the toxic chemical. 

A clinical toxicology course, hence, is important to educate individuals about the toxicological causes of various substances so that they become capable of diagnosing any surgical or medical emergencies that may arise out of them. The objectives, or rather the takeaways of a clinical toxicology course can be summarized as below:

• The clinical toxicology graduate (or postgraduate) is able to evaluate a poisoned patient and intervene immediately by picking up his critical conditions.

• He can identify the possible toxicological cause(s) behind the case and decide on the further treatment protocol.

• He is aware of the steps of toxicological emergency management and is trained in each procedure like supporting respiration, endotracheal intubation, etc. 

• He can diagnose and make decisions regarding the treatment of acute toxicity caused by some commonly used household items and environmental and medical poisons. 

This article elaborates various aspects of the clinical toxicology courses that are offered in India. 

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Clinical Toxicology

Eligibility criteria for B.Sc Clinical Toxicology

Minimum educational qualification for B.Sc. is 10+2 or equivalent exam with science (physics, chemistry and biology/ maths) as compulsory subjects. At least a 50% mark is required for the B.Sc. admission.

Eligibility criteria for M. Sc Clinical Toxicology

Aspirants must have a B. Sc degree from a recognised college or university and pass the entrance examinations as conducted by individual colleges. 

Admission Criteria for Clinical Toxicology Courses after Class 12

Students must have scored at least 50% in aggregate in the qualifying exam, that is, class 12 boards or an equivalent exam, for securing admission into the undergraduate course. As for entry into M. Sc courses, students must have scored at least 55% marks in graduation. They will also need to score the minimum cut off in the entrance examinations. Candidates have to fill an offline or online form and the course generally commences from the month of July after the entrance exam and submission of all documents as per college or university requirements.

Entrance Examinations for Clinical Toxicology Courses

There are many exams conducted by different universities or colleges offering clinical toxicology courses. Based on the performance of the candidates in these exams, the selection is done. Candidates who wish to pursue this course have to fill up an online or offline form and appear for the exam. To fill an online form, candidates have to visit the official website of the university or college and if they want to fill an offline form then they have to purchase the brochure along with the application form, fill up all details and submit it to the college or university. After the entrance exam, the university or college will release their cut-off percentage for admission to B.Sc (or M.Sc) clinical toxicology programme. Admission is given to only those candidates who clear the cut-off percentage and meet the university or college criteria after from other necessary requirements.

Fees and Expenses for Clinical Toxicology Courses

Fees for clinical toxicology courses vary from college to college or university to university. However, the range for the integrated course is Rs.6 lakhs for 5 years and for post-graduation, it varies. In government colleges, the course fee is Rs.13.74 thousand minimum and Rs. 1.85 lakhs maximum. In private colleges, the fee is Rs.9.31 thousand minimum and Rs.1.3 lakhs maximum. 

PhD programmes are mostly scholarship-based. Candidates who qualify the CSIR UGC NET, get a handsome stipend from the government on a monthly basis during the entire tenure of the doctoral research. However, their registration has to be renewed to get the stipend for an extended period if they are not able to complete the research within the previously committed time.

Required Skillset for Clinical Toxicology

Enthusiasm: Temporal crisis may occur at any point in time. The enthusiasm in the candidate will enable him/her to overcome that phase. This skill helps individuals to work more effectively as obstacles can be easily ignored and challenges can be faced in a skilled way.

Coordination skill: This is particularly important for teamwork. Coordination helps maintain balance which may be disturbed due to individual differences in behaviour or characteristic traits. Thus teamwork is enforced by coordination skill.

Analytical skill: At the workplace problems, small or large, may occur at any point in time. Possessing analytical skills helps one to find a solution to these problems in an efficient way. Analysing a problem helps in understanding what measure to take next.

Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, statistics, environmental and science is mandatory. Candidates must know all these by heart so that they can analyse the collected data.

Observational skill: This helps immensely in the decision-making process. With minute observation skills, one may find it easier to listen to others’ opinions and interact with them in a more appropriate manner. The responses become more efficient too.

Concentration and patience: Working with clinical toxicology cannot afford a mind wandering aimlessly. For this field of work, it is important to identify, collect and analyse the data minutely. Lack of concentration and patience may result in wrong outcomes. 

Also Read: Online Pathology Courses