National Grand Rounds - February 2024

Dr. Rand is an associate professor in the department of environmental medicine at URMC. Dr. Rand's research focuses on the mechanisms of neural developmental toxicity of the persistent environmental toxin methylmercury (MeHg). Human exposure to MeHg through dietary intake of fish continues to be a major health concern. MeHg preferentially targets the developing nervous system leaving the fetus and young children at greatest risk from exposure. However, considerable uncertainty remains as to the risk of MeHg versus the benefit of essential nutrients in a fish diet. Further uncertainty stems from the wide range of inter-individual variability seen in neurological outcomes, both with MeHg-exposed laboratory animals and in human epidemiological studies of children in fish eating populations.

Nicholas E. Nacca, MD, FACMT is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Medical Toxicology, and Associate Fellowship Director of the Medical Toxicology Fellowship Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). In addition to his role within the Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Nacca holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Environmental Medicine. As Director of Medical Toxicology, Dr. Nacca oversees the educational and clinical operations of the medical toxicology consultation service, where he is actively involved in training medical toxicology fellows, as well as mentoring multidisciplinary teams that include medical residents, pharmacy residents, and medical students. He also staffs and directs a referral-based outpatient Medical Toxicology Clinic, where he provides specialized care to patients requiring toxicological evaluation and treatment. Dr. Nacca’s work bridges clinical practice and education, emphasizing the development of the next generation of toxicology professionals while providing expert consultation in both inpatient and outpatient settings.