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Cleveland Plain Dealer article about Case Medical School animal labs

A Summary of
Animal Use within
the Curriculum at
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Learn more about
live animal labs

*UPDATE*

According to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Dean Pamela B. Davis, M.D., Ph.D., the use of dogs, cats, and ferrets in student courses has been eliminated. However, Case Western continues to use live pigs in an elective surgery course. The school has stated that it plans to eliminate the use of pigs as well, but this should and can happen before the next lab is scheduled to take place this spring.  

Twenty years ago, live animals were commonly used in physiology, pharmacology, and surgery classes at medical schools. A standard lab involved anesthetizing the animal, followed by injecting pharmaceuticals or practicing surgical techniques. After the class, the animal was killed.

Today, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is one of only ten medical schools (out of 126) that still uses animals in these cruel and unnecessary exercises. Between January and June 2008, six live pig labs are scheduled to take place at Case Western as part of a laparoscopic surgery elective.

Fortunately, most schools have eliminated live animal labs from their curricula altogether. Innovations in medical simulation technology, availability of alternatives, increased awareness of ethical concerns, and a growing acknowledgement that medical training must be human-focused have all facilitated this shift.

Now it’s time to keep the pressure on Case Western. Please let the school know that using any animal in a live lab is cruel and unnecessary.

Call, e-mail, or write a letter to Case Western’s Dean Pamela B. Davis, M.D., Ph.D. and politely ask her to end the school’s live pig lab program. Send an automatic e-mail>

Pamela B. Davis, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Ave, BRB 113
Cleveland, OH 44106
T: 216-368-2825
pbd@case.edu

Learn more about live animal labs and what you can do to help end them. If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Merkley at rmerkley@pcrm.org or 202-686-2210, ext 336.