Overview

The primary focus of this rotation is to gain an appreciation of how animal resource programs operate from both an operations and administrative perspective.  The trainee will develop an understanding of the processes and equipment used to meet the husbandry needs of a variety of species; will perform hands-on animal care for the various species housed at the differing facilities; will work within each facility’s cage wash centers to become acquainted with the various types of automated equipment utilized, their function, and their routine use and maintenance; review standard operating procedures (SOPs) to gain insight into the operating principles institutions employ to limit cross contamination and in cases of disease outbreaks, special procedures employed for containment; how specialized rodent models are maintained; will work alongside key management and administrative personnel to develop an understanding of their job roles and responsibilities; be exposed to cost accounting principles, budgeting, and recharge systems; understand how information sciences are employed to manage animal resource program activities; understand how the animal care and use program and IACUC interact; and, gain an understanding as to how post-approval monitoring (PAM) programs are developed and implemented.  The trainee will also gain insight into the development and operation of an occupational health and safety program to protect animal care and research staff.  Understand the principles of risk assessment and risk reduction as it relates to infectious, chemical and physical hazards.  Be familiar with the regulations pertaining to the handling and disposal of regulated medical waste as well as understand the principles and conduct of an environmental health program.