title: The United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists; establishing best practice for professional training & development in forensic toxicology.
abstract: The current status of forensic toxicology in the United Kingdom is discussed with an emphasis on professional training and development. Best practice is proposed using a blend of modular foundation knowledge training, continuing professional development, academic study, research & development and ongoing analytical practice. The need for establishing a professional career structure is also discussed along with a suggested example of a suitable model. The issues discussed in this paper are intended to provoke discussion within the forensic toxicology community, industry regulators and other government bodies responsible for the administration of justice.
authors.affiliation: NIVHA Laboratory Services Ltd., Northern Ireland Science Park, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK. Electronic address: simon.cosbey@icloud.com.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cosbey
authors.affiliation: Alere Forensics, Malvern Hills Science Park, Geraldine Road, Malvern WR14 3SZ, UK. Electronic address: simon.elliott@alere.com.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.affiliation: Toxicology Unit, Imperial College London, London, W6 8RP, UK. Electronic address: s.paterson@imperial.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Paterson
mesh_terms: D002322:Career Mobility; D053593:Forensic Toxicology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D000068616:Professionalism / Q000592:standards; D012958:Societies, Scientific; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Best practice; Development; Forensic toxicology; Training