Abstract
STP and ACVP must be guided by the opinions voiced by their memberships, but ultimately both organizations must provide leadership and vision relative to the future of the discipline and the professionals they serve. The process of training and certification of anatomic and clinical pathologists is not broken nor is the product flawed. However, as was recognized earlier with veterinary pathology and more recently with clinical pathology, it is now time to recognize the specialty of toxicologic pathology. This specialty has moved beyond the traditional veterinary pathology training, which focuses on infectious disease, large animal and companion animal pathology, and diagnostics. One cannot expect that the undirected graduate will naturally develop excellence in the principles of toxicology or understand mechanisms of xenobiotic metabolism. There is a need to readdress the educational process and the standards of excellence by which specialists in toxicologic pathology are measured. Our commitment to improving recognized deficiencies and establishment of expectations will move toxicologic pathology forward and create opportunities for those who follow.