Friends and Colleagues,

The beginning of summer often feels more like spring in academic medicine. It’s a season of renewal—when we welcome our new fellows-in-training (FITs) and reaffirm our shared passion for medicine and public health. I wish our FITs a productive and enjoyable two years as they explore the many dimensions of our field and lay the foundation for their soon-to-begin careers.

Since I recently began my term as ACMT President in April 2025, I thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Lebanon and moved to Atlanta in 2000, where I completed a residency in Emergency Medicine and a fellowship in Medical Toxicology at Emory University. My fellowship training included time at the Georgia Poison Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which shaped my commitment to public health and radiological-nuclear emergency preparedness.

After graduation, I joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Alabama Poison Center, where I honed my interests in environmental health and emergency preparedness. My Middle Eastern background opened doors to contribute to the development of clinical toxicology in the region. Since 2006, I have been actively involved in this effort—co-founding the Middle East and North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association (MENATOX), directing the Emory International Medical Toxicology Fellowship, and co-founding the Clinical Toxicology Services at the American University of Beirut. These roles deepened my involvement in the global assessment and management of toxicological exposures.

I began my service with ACMT in 2014 and have focused on advancing international toxicology, emergency preparedness, education, and environmental health. I feel privileged to work alongside an exceptional group of individuals—our Board of Directors, ACMT staff, and hundreds of dedicated member volunteers.

Over the next two years of my presidency, I hope to make a meaningful impact and serve your needs to the best of my ability. My “virtual door” is always open to your questions, feedback, and ideas. As many of our members and practice areas face unprecedented challenges, I believe it is our collective talent and wisdom that will guide our specialty toward a stronger and more resilient future.

Sincerely,

Ziad Kazzi, MD, FACMT
ACMT Board President (2025 - 2027)