Last fall the Society of Toxicology convened the Toxicology Educational Summit to discuss the state of toxicology education and strategically to address educational needs and the sustained advancement of toxicology as a profession.The Summit focused on core issues of building for the future of toxicology by implementing educational programs, defining education and training needs, developing the "Total Toxicologist," providing continued training and retraining of toxicologists to sustain their careers, and supporting toxicology education and professional development. Outcomes of this meeting include a white paper and strategic recommendations that allow SOT to insure the success and future of toxicology through targeted educational initiatives. Council has endorsed and prioritized these recommendations in accordance with the Society's strategic goals.
The high priority items are as follows:
- Continue and EXPAND efforts to communicate the value of toxicology in promoting a safer and healthier world
- Continue support of successful SOT programs that recruit minority and underserved undergraduates into advanced education and careers in toxicology
- Continue and MAKE MORE VISIBLE mentoring opportunities at all levels of education and practice (including Chat with an Expert, Poster Tours, Trainee Discussion with the Plenary Speaker, and Mentor Match)
- Continue development of an undergraduate teaching resource library and consider a parallel resource for graduate education to take advantage of training opportunities in the news (breast implants, melamine); participate in national undergraduate science curriculum reform
- Work with other professional societies, government, and academia to promote integration of toxicology into diverse curricula Including those for physicians, emergency room personnel, EMS technicians, public health professionals, engineers, and chemists
- Facilitate academic, industrial, and government partnerships that provide opportunities for toxicology training and reduce the skills gap for trainees seeking industry positions
- Continue and expand webinars and online Continuing Education courses for ongoing training
- Support and identify internship opportunities for students and postdoctoral fellows
- Increase awareness of under-utilized NIH funding mechanisms such as supplements to fund minority students or teachers
SOT Committees and component groups have been charged with reviewing their activities to see how they do or could help move these high priority initiatives forward. In addition, new efforts might be developed to address these educational needs. We all look forward to continuing and creative efforts within SOT to support and strengthen toxicology education and the discipline of toxicology.