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The UMass Division of Medical Toxicology is the largest of its kind in New England. As trailblazers in our field, we are committed to improving the future of toxicology through progressive research, clinical practice, and education. Our team aims to keep its work fresh and cutting-edge, while providing patients with the best, most compassionate care possible.

Overdose Prevention Fund logoResearch is at the core of UMass Chan's Division of Medical Toxicology’s mission. We house an NIH-funded research program focusing on the interface of emerging technology and drug use. From ingestible smart pills that monitor opioid use after injury to wearable biosensors that can identify real-time physiologic responses to cocaine, our group continues pioneering work geared at untangling one of biggest public health challenges of our time: drug abuse. Our research has also inspired the launch of the UMass Chan Overdose Prevention Fund, which supports innovative projects that aim to eliminate drug overdose.

Clinical care at the UMass Chan's Division of Medical Toxicology is unique in that the medical team follows patients throughout treatment — from the acute care setting, to the hospital wards and intensive care units, to the outpatient clinic. Our collaboration with other departments enhances care quality and coordination each step of the way.

Simultaneously, residents and fellows gain a superlative education through comprehensive clinical training, paired with the dedicated mentorship and opportunities to explore distinct avenues and interests in research. Our faculty has been recognized with multiple teaching awards, and is singularly committed to cultivating fellows, residents, and medical students.

In these ways, UMass Chan's Division of Medical Toxicology realizes its vision to advance the field of toxicology through research, innovation, care, and scholarship.

EM Toxicology News

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  • UMass Chan, UMass Amherst leading MassHealth waiver study to close critical gaps in opioid treatment after jail release

    UMass Chan, UMass Amherst leading MassHealth waiver study to close critical gaps in opioid treatment after jail release

    Ekaterina Pivovarova, PhD, is a principal investigator on a five-year, $8 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

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  • UMass Chan faculty, medical students aim to improve health through reducing hospital waste

    UMass Chan faculty, medical students aim to improve health through reducing hospital waste

    As part of an initiative to help reduce unnecessary waste, students, faculty and staff participated in a 24-hour trash audit at UMass Memorial Medical Center.  

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  • Ekaterina Pivovarova leading multistate study to improve collaboration between drug courts, treatment providers

    Ekaterina Pivovarova leading multistate study to improve collaboration between drug courts, treatment providers

    The five-year study is funded by a $3.5 million award from the National Institutes of Health. 

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  • UMass Chan researcher earns competitive award to test perinatal anxiety disorder intervention

    UMass Chan researcher earns competitive award to test perinatal anxiety disorder intervention

    Martha Zimmermann, PhD, will be testing the text message intervention Reaching Calm at four obstetric practices.

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  • UMass Chan researcher awarded NIH grant to advance precision medicine for opioid use disorder and mentor emerging scientists

    UMass Chan researcher awarded NIH grant to advance precision medicine for opioid use disorder and mentor emerging scientists

    Stephanie Carreiro, MD, PhD’22, received a new NIH award to advance precision medicine research in opioid use disorder and mentor junior clinician-scientists

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  • Chancellor Collins’ final Convocation address encourages optimism, determination

    Chancellor Collins’ final Convocation address encourages optimism, determination

    Four faculty members were honored with chancellor's medals at the annual Convocation and Investiture ceremony. 

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Steven Bird, MD
Director, Medical Toxicology
Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine

Jeffrey Lai, MD, PhD
Fellowship Director
Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine


Main Office
UMass Chan Medical School

UMass Memorial Medical Center 
University Campus
Department of Emergency Medicine
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, Mass. 01655 
emed@umassmed.edu 
Phone: 508-421-1400
Fax: 508-856-5911