Toxicologic Pathology: Modern Challenges and the Need for a New Educational Strategy

Toxicologic pathology, a pivotal health science that integrates experimental and diagnostic pathology with toxicology, is a growing specialty. This discipline has become increasingly important as society’s awareness of the health risks associated with environmental contaminants, food adulteration, and the consumption of medicines has intensified. These events have made the review ofeducation and training of toxicologic pathologists a high priority issue for both the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists I (STP) and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). The STP is an organization devoted to the advancement of toxicologic pathology. Its membership consists primarily of veterinary pathologists (76% in 1994). The remainder of the membership is divided approximately equally between physicians (1 1%) and biologists (1 3%). Currently, 49% of the members are Diplomates of the ACVP, an organization that has established standards for training, experience, and certification by examination in the broader specialty of veterinary pathology. Education and training of toxicologic pathologists, when reviewed at both national and international levels, has been highly variable. This variability has convinced the STP leadership and pathologists in industrial management positions that training in toxicologic pathology would benefit from a clear definition of both the discipline and an educational curriculum that addresses the collective needs of both trainees and employers. To address these issues, the STP appointed an ad hoc Educational Standards Committee to propose educational standards for trainees in toxicologic pathology and define an educational strategy that would best prepare trainees to meet the expectations of a graduate in toxicologic pathology. The standards defined by this committee are available from the STP in a document titled “Education and Training in Toxicologic Pathology: A Cumculum and Certification Proposal” (available by request from the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists, Executive Office*). A mechanism to stimulate the development of appropriate training programs and ensure achievement of these standards would be the establishment of board certification in toxicologic pathology. This concept is consistent with the certifying boards that have been established in Europe and Asia. In North America, a first step in addressing these issues has been the appointment of a joint ACVP/STP Task Force. This editorial addresses concerns raised in response to an STP opinion poll conducted in June 1993, at the ACVP colloquia held in December 1993, at joint STPIACVP Task Force meetings, and by recent actions of both European and Asian toxicologic pathology societies. Six key questions are addressed.