Our Team

The Kansas Poison Center team includes expert-level nurses, pharmacists, board-certified physician medical toxicologists, a clinical toxicologist and a certified health education specialist.

Poison Specialists

The registered nurses and pharmacists who answer the phones at the poison center are called specialists in poison information (SPIs). They provide medical advice to callers regarding poisonings, exposures or any poison-related questions.

We currently have 10 registered nurses and 3 pharmacists who are specialists in poison information. They are uniquely trained to assess, triage and manage poison emergencies. Our specialists are available 24/7 by calling 1-800-222-1222.

We are very proud that all of our eligible staff have earned the distinction of certified specialist in poison information (CSPI) from America’s Poison Centers. To become certified as an CSPI, candidates must pass a rigorous exam that evaluates skill, knowledge, education and experience to provide poison information to the public, healthcare providers and public health agencies.

Toxicologists

Toxicologists at the Kansas Poison Center provide clinical supervision and back-up support for the specialists. They are available 24 hours a day for consultations with healthcare providers and are responsible for delivering continuing education courses to staff and other healthcare professionals. Our center has 6 board-certified medical and clinical toxicologists who provide medical and toxicologic backup to the call center staff.

Administrative Staff

Medical director: Stephen Thornton, MD
Managing director: Elizabeth Silver, PharmD, DABAT

Education Coordinator

The education coordinator creates poison prevention education materials for diverse audiences and provides educational programs to the community. They partner with numerous local and state organizations to promote poison center awareness and utilization.

Public health education coordinator: Stefanie Baines, MA, CHES