Animal Experiments in Medical Undergraduate Curriculum

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the teachers' and the students' opinions regarding animal experiments as part of practical training in the discipline of pharmacology. Methods: Students of fourth and final year and teachers in pharmacology were included in a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire. Questions pertaining to the objectives of these animal experiments and their utility thereof were included in the survey. They were also asked to suggest alternatives for these experiments if they so desired. Results: Majority of students and teachers cited that these experiments were conducted for a better understanding of the subject of Pharmacology as the main objective. However, most felt that this is not achieved and too much time is spent on them. Majority of teachers and students felt that an understanding of pharmacology could have been achieved without the existing set of animal experiment exercises. Passing second MBBS exams was a major reason cited for the conduct of these experiments. Alternative suggestions included demonstrations of experiments, video films, computer simulations followed by discussions, patient bedside teaching and human volunteer experiments. Conclusion: There seems to be an urgent need for reconsidering changes in the M.B.B.S pharmacology curriculum, especially with regards to the experimental pharmacology exercises, to make it more relevant. Newer alternative teaching methods need to be incorporated. An all out effort has to be made by all the teaching faculty to make animal experiments relevant and interesting for the students.