Univ. of Virginia Under Fire for Use of Cats in Medical Training
| Just a few weeks ago, we reported ECU was under scrutiny for their use of ferrets in medical training. |
We stated they were 1 of only 10 colleges which used animal in teaching their medical students (Read Article Here). Now, the University of Virginia is undergoing the same scrutiny.
Why Does Virginia Use Cats & Kittens?
According to Carol Wood, vice president of public relations
While we use simulators whenever possible, we have carefully determined that in the case of infants weighing less than four pounds, no current simulator provides adequate training in tracheal intubation – insertion of a tube into a baby’s airway when he or she is in distress. Our training is invaluable in the seconds one has to successfully intubate a sick newborn. |
Physician Blows the Whistle
John J. Pippin, Director of Academic Affairs was one of the physicians signing the statement on the use of cats and kittens in the university. He has gone on record saying that despite public reports the widespread use of animals for training is not accurate. However, they do use the cats and kittens for practicing intubation.
He also states
In a survey conducted by our organization, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, we found that 94 percent of pediatrics programs use only non-animal methods in training. A large majority of pediatrics residencies use purpose-designed simulators that mimic the airway of a low-birth-weight premature newborn. |
And that
Pediatrics residencies at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Inova Fairfax Hospital and Hospital for Children and Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond exclusively use training methods based on human anatomy. It is time for the University to join them. |
Final Thoughts
Just like in the ferret article, I believe it is time to leave these barbaric practices behind. If 94% of universities do not use animals as a method of training, then all hospitals can do the same. It is time to STOP animal cruelty in all of its forms.
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