International recommendations for training future toxicologic pathologists participating in regulatory-type, nonclinical toxicity studies.
The International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists (IFSTP) proposes a common global framework for training future toxicologic pathologists who will support regulatory-type - nonclinical toxicology studies. Trainees optimally should undertake a scientific curriculum of at least 5 years at an accredited institution leading to a clinical degree (veterinary medicine or medicine). Trainees should then obtain 4 or more years of intensive pathology practice during a residency and/or on-the-job "apprenticeship," at least 2 years of which must be focused on regulatory-type toxicologic pathology topics. Possession of a recognized pathology qualification (i.e., certification) is highly recommended. A nonclinical pathway (e.g., a graduate degree in medical biology or pathology) may be possible if medically trained pathologists are scarce, but this option is not optimal. Regular, lifelong continuing education (peer review of nonclinical studies, professional meetings, reading, short courses) will be necessary to maintain and enhance one's understanding of current toxicologic pathology knowledge, skills, and tools. This framework should provide a rigorous yet flexible way to reliably train future toxicologic pathologists to generate, interpret, integrate, and communicate data in regulatory-type, nonclinical toxicology studies.
Bolon
Brad
B
GEMpath Inc., Longmont, CO, USA. brad@gempath.net
Barale-Thomas
Erio
E
Bradley
Alys
A
Ettlin
Robert A
RA
Franchi
Carla A S
CA
George
Catherine
C
Giusti
Anna Maria
AM
Hall
Robert
R
Jacobsen
Matthew
M
Konishi
Yoichi
Y
Ledieu
David
D
Morton
Daniel
D
Park
Jae-Hak
JH
Scudamore
Cheryl L
CL
Tsuda
Hiroyuki
H
Vijayasarathi
S K
SK
Wijnands
Marcel V W
MV
D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007391:International Cooperation; D010336:Pathology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D014116:Toxicology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards