UVA Med Students Will No Longer Use Dogs

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: February 27, 2004


Filed at 5:37 p.m. ET

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) -- The University of Virginia says it will no longer
use dogs to teach lifesaving procedures to medical students -- a practice
criticized by animal rights activists, local residents and some students.

The university, which made the announcement Thursday, had used canines in
medical school training for at least 20 years. Officials said about 100 healthy
dogs per year were put to death after being cut open in class.

Third-year medical students used the dogs to learn how to insert chest tubes,
open an airway by cutting into the windpipe, insert IV needles into veins and
remove the spleen.

Dr. Arthur Garson, dean of the medical school, said three of the four procedures
could easily be taught on computerized mannequins.

However, university officials said they would not rule out the use of other
animals to train students. A decision on that issue is expected by the end of
June.

The change came after local residents got word of the practice and animal
welfare groups raised an outcry. The issue also created a rift among medical
students.

"We think it's great to know that animal suffering and euthanasia will no longer
be a part of medical education at U.Va.,'' said Peter Wood, a research associate
with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/A...chool-Dogs.html