SPI Spotlight
Elizabeth Burnham, PharmD, SPI
Q: What is your role at the Michigan Poison & Drug InformationCenter, how long have you been an Specialist in PoisonInformation (SPI), and what is your professional background?
A: I am a Certified Specialist in Poison Information(CSPI) and 2026 is my fourth year with the MiPDC.My professional background is in PharmD.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job as an SPI?
A: Two Fold – 1: Working with the public to promoteself efficacy in acute exposures manageable at home.
2: Being a part of an interprofessional healthcare team - whose primary goal is to provide better patient outcomes through excellence in care delivery and evidence-based education.
Q: How would you describe the MiPDC in one sentence?
A: At the MiPDC, our commitment to service, growth,competency, and collaboration helps us providehigh-quality care and guidance to Michigandersacross the state.
Q: Based on your experience, what insight or advice do you think every caller should know before contactingthe Poison Helpline?
A: Toxicity is relative! Every exposure is different and triage recommendations depend on the person andsituation at hand.
Calling to speak with one of our specialists will be to engage in a conversation that will always be individualized, and we are happy to talk through whatever questions you have.
Each needs the help of the other, and we work to improve service to that directive.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I enjoy reading, painting, gaming, cooking, and playing with my dogs.
