A Guide to Careers in Veterinary Pathology in the UK
© 2007
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Industry
Veterinary pathology in the industrial sector is mainly concerned with toxicological pathology. This branch of experimental pathology is aimed at the identification of the hazards and risks of many new and old materials to man and animals whether administered intentionally or accidentally. The range of skills, and their deployment, is wide and varies from the 'bench' pathologist preparing reports for submissions to regulatory agencies to pathologists working with molecular techniques to discover modes of action of toxicity and models of human diseases.
Safety and environmental concerns are not restricted by national boundaries and the industries are truly global. Employment can be obtained almost anywhere in the world and the opportunities for personal and career development are substantial. Within the industry there are five main areas of employment.
Pathologists may be employed to support the product development teams and can operate in a range of roles. Some will find their main employment in the identification of new candidates for compound development in a variety of therapeutic areas whilst others will be deployed in the management of large preclinical development projects.
Contract Research Organisations
Work that cannot be routinely undertaken in companies or overspill from a busy department are often sub-contracted to CRO. The range of skills that develops is slightly different from those employed solely in the pharmaceutical sector.
Although now a fairly small sector, the testing of new herbicides, pesticides and biotechnological products is essential for the protection of man and the environment.
Bulk chemicals and chemical intermediates from manufacturing processes pose potential risks to both production workers and consumers.
Not only food additives and components but also the growing sector of nutraceuticals must be subjected to rigorous testing procedures before release.
