Summary of Panel Discussion: Past, Present and Future of Toxicologic Pathologists and the Contributions to Hazard Identification and Molecular Mechanisms of Action

: One of the major roles for the toxicologic pathologists now and into the future will be to determine the biologic significance of chemically induced biochemical and molecular alterations detected in whole tissue homogenates or cell cultures. The biologically significant effects will then require further analysis to determine their relevance to human health effects. The challenge is to train pathologists for toxicologic and molecular pathology experience without diluting basic pathology skills. Programs and approaches reviewed and suggested during the panel discussion should provide ideas and the impetus for those in a position to engage in similar activities.