A West Virginia University School of Pharmacy graduate is now in charge of one of the state’s most critical resources. Dr. Rachel Cruickshank (PharmD, ’21) was appointed as the West Virginia Poison Control Center (WVPC) director earlier this summer. Cruickshank, a native of Sissonville, West Virginia, replaces Dr. Elizabeth Scharman, who retired in June.
Cruickshank was a fellow at WVPC for a year and worked under the direction of Scharman. She says it was an invaluable experience.
“Her 32 years of expertise provided me with comprehensive training in all aspects of the role,” Cruickshank said. “The opportunity has thoroughly prepared me to lead the center.”
Before joining the WVPC, Cruickshank completed post-graduate residencies in Acute Care Pharmacy (2022) and Critical Care Pharmacy (2023) at Charleston Area Medical Center. She believes these experiences have equipped her to handle critically ill patients and looks forward to applying her knowledge at the WVPC.
As director, Cruickshank is committed to enhancing the WVPC’s services and outreach efforts. Her goals include expanding educational programs, increasing the center’s social media presence to boost awareness and building stronger partnerships throughout the state. She also plans to uphold the strong tradition of disaster preparedness and education championed by her predecessor.
“I am honored to be chosen for this role and excited to serve the people of West Virginia. The WVPC’s mission to provide timely, free and confidential poison information is crucial, and I look forward to continuing this impactful work,” Cruickshank said.
In addition to her role as director, Cruickshank will serve as an assistant professor in the School’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy. She will teach courses in clinical toxicology, disaster planning and substance abuse. She will also provide continuing education on these topics to healthcare professionals across West Virginia.
Dr. William Petros, Dean of the WVU School of Pharmacy, said, “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Cruickshank lead the WVPC and instruct our pharmacy students, given her unique blend of critical care and clinical toxicology training.”
The WVPC, established in 1979, is located on the West Virginia University Charleston Division Campus. It was recognized as West Virginia’s only poison center in 1986 and that same year became a Certified Regional Poison Center, one of only 55 in the United States. The center’s staff of nurses, pharmacists and doctors offers assessment and emergency treatment recommendations for accidental exposures to medications and household substances, plant ingestion, bites and stings from snakes, spiders and other insects, chemical spills, occupational exposures and drug overdoses. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information about the West Virginia Poison Center and its services, please visit www.wvpoisoncenter.org.
