Environmental Factor, December 2010, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

NTP scientists earn prestigious toxicology certification

By Eddy Ball
December 2010

Blystone is the lead on studies evaluating chemicals within the classes of parabens, phthalates, ethylene glycol ethers, and perfluoroalkyl acids. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

Elmore's expertise as a veterinary pathologist is critical in her group's oversight of NTP two-year rodent toxicology and carcinogenesis studies, which are recognized as the gold standard in the field. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

Jahnke has applied her scientific rigor in the preparation of the 12th Report on Carcinogens (http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/?objectid=035E57E7-BDD9-2D9B-AFB9D1CADC8D09C1), which is nearing completion for final submission to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

Four more National Toxicology Program (NTP) scientists made an important advance in toxicology's professional ranks by satisfying requirements for Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (D.A.B.T.) certification.

According to the organization, the certification is an international recognition of broad expertise in general toxicology for those with formal training in toxicology, as well as those trained in other related disciplines, often confers an advantage in the job market and career advancement, and is an objective demonstration of a toxicologist's breadth and currency of knowledge that supports scientific credibility.

The American Board of Toxicology (http://www.abtox.org/ABOT_about.shtml) officially certified the following NTP scientists as diplomates:

Chad Blystone, Ph.D. (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/tob/blystone/index.cfm), of the NTP Toxicology Branch
Susan Elmore, D.V.M. (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/lep/ntp-path/staff/elmore.cfm), of the NTP Pathology Group
Gloria Jahnke, D.V.M. (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/dntp/roc/staff/jahnke/index.cfm), of the NTP Report on Carcinogens Center
Mike Sanders, Ph.D. (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/pob/staff/michael.cfm), of the NTP Program Operations Branch

In a message to the new diplomates, NIEHS/NTP Director Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., who also holds D.A.B.T. certification, wrote, "Congratulations to all of you, and welcome to the team of outstanding diplomates at NTP." Speaking from experience, she added, "It's no mean feat to become a D.A.B.T., and your achievement is one more testament to the high caliber of science conducted by the NTP."

The American Board of Toxicology was established in 1979 to advance standards in the field of toxicology and to confer recognition upon those members of the profession who, measured against such standards, demonstrate competence. Certification requirements include a combination of education and experience, and a three-part examination.

Diplomates hold initial ABT certification for 5 years and must demonstrate that they actively practice toxicology, engage in continuing education, and maintain expert knowledge in their field prior to pursuing recertification.

As a lead scientist in the Chemical Metabolism and Disposition Workgroup, Sanders oversees research on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) as well as pharmacokinetics of xenobiotic materials of interest to the NTP. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

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