STP debate on the desirability of an international mechanism for recognizing qualified toxicologic pathologists

The June 2009 Town Hall meeting of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) and a subsequent survey considered whether or not STP should endorse a published proposal (Toxicol Pathol 37: 553-561, 2009) by the International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists (IFSTP) to provide global recognition by credential review for toxicologic pathologists engaged in regulatory-type, nonclinical toxicology studies. One-third (374 of 1082) of STP members answered the survey. The majority of respondents rejected the IFSTP proposal (55% against) but favored the concept of global recognition (57% for), if available to both anatomic pathologists and clinical pathologists (67% for). Members preferred recognition by credential review (49% for) or via an internationally authored "best practices" document detailing the ideal educational and work experiences required for entry-level proficiency in toxicologic pathology (43% for). Therefore, the STP Executive Committee does not endorse the current IFSTP proposal but will continue discussions on global recognition of qualified toxicologic pathologists with other societies of toxicologic pathology.