UPDATE ON MEDICAL EDUCATION & ANIMAL USE |
| Review Committee Recommendations:
The goal of medical education, which is the heart of academic medicine, and clinical practice is to develop the knowledge, competencies and skills of students, residents and practicing physicians to effectively meet the needs of patients today and in the future. With advances in simulation, many skills previously taught with animals can now be learned with simulation models; however, there remain in 2004 certain procedure-based skills that require the use of animal models prior to performing these procedures on humans. The committee was asked to address the following questions. Are dogs necessary for any aspect of medical student education or physician (residents, fellows, practicing physicians) training? No. The use of dogs for medical education and training is not necessary. Is the use of dogs required for the “Life Saving Techniques” activity for medical students? No. It is recommended that the Surgery Clerkship activity entitled “Life Saving Techniques” be discontinued. The Curriculum Committee should be asked to develop programs without using dogs that meet the educational needs of medical students for emergency care skills and for surgical skills. The goals, objectives and outcome measures need to be carefully defined and wherever possible simulation models used. We remain committed to dedicating the necessary time and resources to provide an outstanding level of medical education to our students and to have a program in place to meet the career needs of current students. Are there procedures used in physician (residents, fellows, practicing physicians) training for which the use of live animals can be justified until a simulator is available? Yes. Certain medical procedures currently have no suitable substitute for training physicians prior to human work. In 2004 restricted animal use is required in order to provide this necessary part of technical training. February 26, 2004 |