The attending veterinarian as an ally and leader of the IACUC (2000)

Silverman, J.

Abstract

It is not surprising, that should the AV [attending veterinarian] become a leader of the IACUC [Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee], some researchers might view her as an adversary (or at best an annoyance) rather than an ally, especially when opinions differ. .. Consideration for job security should be given to the AV. A somewhat junior AV who is assertive on and off the IACUC, whether in academia or industry, is vulnerable to retribution during a job related review. The corollary, I believe, is that a fear of retribution can negatively affect the AVs performance [on behalf of animals] on the IACUC. .. Institutions should seriously consider how to provide their AV with adequate job security (e.g., through tenure, a modified tenure arrangement, or contracts), which will in turn fortify the AVs role on the IACUC. This is not to imply that job security in itself will block retribution.