WVSOM is committed to working with animal subjects in an ethical manner. WVSOM holds an Animal Welfare Assurance through the Office of Animal Welfare (D16-00151/A3238-01, Expires March 31, 2027).
Any research proposal that uses vertebrate animals or animal tissue must have the protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). PIs should contact the IACUC chair for information regarding requirements for review. The IACUC will only review research projects that have received approval from the ORSP (through completion and review of the ORSP-1 form).
Contact IACUC@osteo.wvsom.edu for additional information.
WVSOM's occupational health and safety program is managed through WVSOM's Human Resources and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The program includes annual medical surveillance, audiometry, respiratory fit testing, pulmonary function testing and vaccinations, upon recommendation. WVSOM contracts with the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center Occupational Medicine division for planning and monitoring of the WVSOM Occupational Health and Safety Program. Any person interacting or exposed to animals is required to undergo medical monitoring through WVU and maintain medical clearance. At a minimum, the monitoring occurs annually, or any time there has been:
In order to initiate annual (or more often, as described above) monitoring, please complete the medial monitoring questionnaire. New users should choose the link that indicates "I don't have a login." Use your WVSOM email address (@osteo.wvsom.edu).
The IACUC considers protocols on a rolling basis.
Steps for IACUC protocol submission and review of a protocol
Complete the required IACUC training (at a minimum the CITI Program "Animal Researchers and Staff" and "Minimizing Pain and Distress" courses). Your protocol cannot be approved until all trainings are completed and medical clearance is granted by/for each personnel listed on the study.
Additional trainings will be indicated when the Research Project Initiation form (ORSP-1) is submitted or amended, or upon receipt of the IACUC protocol submission.
Contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) with any additional administrative questions.
Contact the IACUC Chair or IACUC Administrator with any protocol related questions or content questions.
Submit the protocol through the electronic system. For questions about electronic protocol application, contact the IACUC Administrator.
The IACUC Chair or designee and Attending Veterinarian will do a pre-review and may require changes prior to sending to the full committee.
The IACUC will conduct a full review with the convened committee.
It is typical of the Committee to require modifications in order for approval to be granted.
Do NOT initiate any animal activities (including ordering of animals) until you have received an approval letter, signed by the IACUC Chair, from the ORSP.
WVSOM will immediately investigate an allegation of abuse of research animals, or misconduct regarding animal use in research. You do not have to identify yourself and you may report concerns anonymously. You will not be discriminated against or be subject to any reprisal for reporting violations. To report an animal welfare concern anonymously, you may:
Diana Bird Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Administrative Assistant Senior (304) 647-6289
Peter Feltman, MS Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Administrator (304) 647-6284
Dave Brown, PhD Professor Emeritus, Biomedical Sciences IACUC Chair (304) 647-6289
Linda Boyd, DO Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare National Institutes of Health