1. Careers within the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS)
Laura Williams BSc MSc (Tox)
Scientific Administrator NPIS (Birmingham Unit)

2. About me
Studied BSc Bioinformatics 2004 – 2007
Worked for a year in a Market Research Company
Studied MSc Toxicology 2008 – 2009
Employed at the NPIS (Birmingham Unit) Present

3. BSc Bioinformatics
Biology and Computer Science
Biochemistry modules
40 credit computerised project in third year

4. MSc Toxicology
Module 1 Metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics
Linked in well with Biochemistry modules
Module 2 Pharmacological, forensic and clinical aspects of toxicology
Lectures from my current employers

5. MSc Toxicology
Module 3 Molecular and cellular mechanisms of toxicity and carcinogenesis
Expanded on biochemistry modules
Module 4 Toxicology in Practice: Safety assessment in industry and the environment
Useful overview of day-to-day workings

6. MSc written project
Where I went
How it went
Writing of report
Viva

7. MSc project
3 months
Astra Zeneca
Investigating TARDIS assay looking at etoposides inhibiting spermatogenesis

8. Skills learnt
Undergraduate degree
Overview of biology
Basic human anatomy
Cell proliferation and mutation
Computer languages including website building, database management

9. Skills learnt
MSc Toxicology
Detailed understanding of poisons and what makes a poison
Detailed understanding of clinical toxicology
Overview of many jobs available

10. National Poisons Information Service
Four units across the UK
Birmingham
Cardiff
Newcastle
Edinburgh

11. National Poisons Information Service
24 hour telephone line
Provides advice to healthcare professionals
TOXBASE
Website/database which has information on poisonings

12. National Poisons Information Service
Research and development of literature
Updating other government resources
Information and research service for more complex enquiries

13. Birmingham Unit
Director
Deputy Director
Manager
Scientific Administrator
Nine Scientists
Information Officer

14. My role
To support the unit as needed
Maintain the NPIS Literature Database and website
Contribute to literature being written for the unit
Help deal with complex enquiries

15. Literature
Creation of a book on Current toxicology of pesticides
Development of chapters for the Medicine Journal
Updates for books such as the BNF etc
Papers and presentations at the EAPCCT Congress and published in Clinical Toxicology

16. NPIS Literature Database and NPIS website
Developed in 2011
Website for members of the public
Literature database for all scientists to have access to the most recent literature
Creation of monthly publication Current Awareness in Clinical Toxicology

17. Specialist in Poisons Information (SPI)
Answer telephone enquiries and support the 24 hour rota across the UK
Create TOXBASE entries and update current entries
Continuing CPD by presenting within the Unit, at other NPIS meetings and at European meetings

18. Topics of interest
Pesticides
Thallium
Metals
Lead
Zinc
Chelation

19. Topics of interest
Household products
Liquid detergent capsules
Dishwasher tablets
Drugs
Alcohol
Paracetamol

20. Medicolegal cases and occupational toxicology
Zinc case
Methyl iodide case
Arsenic
Lead

21. Other areas of my job
Ministry of Defence
REACH Guidelines
UKCPI Guidelines
Medicolegal work
Patient/Hospital work

22. Skills needed for my job
Ability to communicate with many different people
Patients
Doctors
Government organisations

23. Skills needed for my job
Time management
Ability to work by yourself
Prioritise
Project management
Individual learning

24. Skills needed for my job
Team work
Develop TOXBASE entries with other people
Discuss calls coming in
Collaborate on projects

25. Skills needed for my job
Writing and presentation skills
Preparing papers for publications
Analysing statistics
Presenting at and creating posters for meetings

26. How I got into my job
Application form
Assessment of skills
Abstract
Public bulletin
TOXBASE entry
Interview

27. Interview
Focussed on past experience
What I have learnt from the course that I could apply to the job
Previous knowledge with regard to Clinical Toxicology
Previous job experience and team leader experience

28. Interview
My time at Macclesfield, Astra Zeneca and what I achieved there
Presentations I had given on the course and ability to research and learn independently
Ability to write proficiently and analyse large amounts of data

29. How I got into my job
A job that allowed me to develop skills and increase learning
Allowed me to help people so I could see a direct result
A definite structure rather than a University based job

30. More information

31. Any further questions?
Thank you for listening and please ask me any questions you have!