A New Era of Toxicology: Dr. Colleen Cowdery Joins Washington Poison Center as Chief Medical Officer

The Washington Poison Center is thrilled to announce a pivotal enhancement to its leadership team, welcoming Dr. Colleen Cowdery as its new Chief Medical Officer. This strategic appointment is poised to significantly amplify the center’s statewide toxicology expertise, fortifying its commitment to public health and patient safety across Washington.

Dr.

Cowdery arrives with a distinguished career and an impressive array of qualifications. A board-certified physician in both Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology, she brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Medical Director for the San Diego Division of the esteemed California Poison Control System.

Her academic contributions are equally noteworthy, having served as a Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), where she shaped the next generation of medical professionals.

Her extensive educational background underpins this robust expertise. Dr.

Cowdery earned her Doctor of Medicine from New York Medical College, followed by a rigorous residency in Emergency Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. She further specialized with a fellowship in Medical Toxicology at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, cementing her status as a leading authority in the field.

This comprehensive training equips her to tackle the most complex and critical toxicology cases with unparalleled insight.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Cowdery to the Washington Poison Center,” expressed Dr. Susan Ferguson, Executive Director of the Washington Poison Center. “Her exceptional leadership, vast experience in medical toxicology, and a proven track record in both clinical practice and education will be instrumental.

She will undoubtedly elevate our statewide capabilities, ensuring Washington residents continue to receive the highest standard of care and expert guidance in poison and overdose treatment.”

In her new capacity, Dr. Cowdery will play a crucial role in overseeing the medical quality and consistency of services provided by the Washington Poison Center.

Her responsibilities will encompass clinical oversight, robust medical education, and training initiatives for healthcare professionals, further enhancing the center’s educational outreach and support systems. Moreover, her insights will be vital in advancing poison prevention strategies throughout the state, ensuring proactive measures are in place to safeguard communities.

A critical aspect of Dr.

Cowdery’s expertise lies in her deep understanding of emerging substance use threats. With the ongoing challenges posed by substances like fentanyl and xylazine, her specialized knowledge will be invaluable in developing effective responses and guiding treatment protocols. Her presence ensures that Washington is better equipped to confront these evolving public health crises head-on.

“I am honored and excited to join the dedicated team at the Washington Poison Center,” stated Dr.

Colleen Cowdery. “The opportunity to contribute to a mission so vital to public health, especially during a time when toxicology expertise is more critical than ever, is incredibly fulfilling. I look forward to working collaboratively with healthcare providers and the community to enhance patient outcomes, advance poison prevention, and tackle the pressing toxicology challenges facing our state.”

The Washington Poison Center remains a cornerstone of health and safety for all Washington residents, offering immediate, expert, and confidential advice for poisonings and overdoses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Dr. Cowdery’s arrival marks a significant milestone, reinforcing the center’s unwavering commitment to providing life-saving information and support, solidifying its position at the forefront of medical toxicology.