Turn down research position?

[mochafreak]

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I've been made aware of a research position that could probably be mine...which I was quite happy about...at first. Especially, since it's immunology research, which I think would be quite interesting. However, this position involves animal research (of course). (Are there any research positions for pre-meds that don't involve animal research?) I would be interested to hear from anyone else that has been putting off their all-important research experience because of this. Specifically, are there any Buddhists/Hindus on this forum who perform animal research and how did you overcome your philosophies and emotions to perform the work? I understand that animal research is absolutely necessary to the progress of medicine. I don't have any "fear of death" issues, or problems with "hurting" patients to help them (14 ga. IV's for instance). However, I don't think I can directly contribute to the suffering of animals (from what I read this morning, the cancer research animals do suffer as a necessity of the research). The prof. left the job open by saying "think it over". My GPA sucks...this would probably really help my app. Any thoughts? Please try to be somewhat gentle. (in case anyone could possibly construe this post as such...no, I'm not a troll).

 

[CaMD]

You don't need to do animal research. Get involved in some kind of clinical trials with humans instead? Or altogether non-science research?

 

[djipopo]

I felt the same way at first when I a spent a year performing research on mice. I really can't give you any guidance from a Buddhist or Hindu perspective, but I'm sure that you know by now that animal research is an integral part of the medical field and you just can't get away from it.

It helped me to remember that the knowledge I procured from performing research may one day be used to reduce the suffering of other creatures.

Also, all labs must follow strict guidelines and go through extensive documentation and training in providing evidence for why their research must be performed on animals. It's almost as a last resort. You also have to use methods that cause the least, if any, harm to the animals.

 

[DReject]

Hi,
I do immunology/med micro research that involves working with various cells and bacteria. Mainly our work is in vitro. My lab used to work with mice before I came. But, what attracted me here was that no animals were used. I didn't have a problem working with animals but it was a matter of preference.

I spend many hours a week here and it requires a committment. If you're willing to contribute your time and energy, you should be somewhat comfortable in the lab.

I say look around and search for other labs in immunolgy and out. Assess your interest and imagine yourself working with the animals.

Good luck!!

 

[Apparition]

I'm not hindu or buddhist but I've had to make a similar decision about doing research on animals. The position involved testing drugs/radiation on mice and I couldn't see myself making them sick on purpose, watching them suffer, and eventually die. I understand the importance, though, of the role of animals in research. I posted a thread on this a while ago, if it helps.

experiments on animals

 

[mochafreak]

Thanks Apparition, very good thread.

 

[travelbug73]

I work as a research specialist in a molecular/vision lab. Initially when I joined, I had to work with animals, sacrifice them and all that. I hated clipping tails and genotyping, let alone killing them. However, I was desparate for a job at that time (it was almost 4.5 years ago), so I took what I got. During this period I realized how important animals are for research, but that didn't mean I liked working with them. It was the last straw on the camel's back when I had to sacrifice 9-21 day embryos by killing the mother. Finally, one day I told my boss I couldn't do it any longer. He was very understanding and never gave me a project that involved animals. Now, I have more bargaining power though. I will never ever take up a position that involves work with animals.
This doesn't have anything to do my being Hindu, just a personal choice. I know of lots of other Hindus and Buddhists that are quite comfortable working with animals.
Bottom line I guess is, it depends on your situation. Can you afford to let this pass? If yes, look for another position.
Hope this helps

Good luck

 

[IluvMCAT]

MochaFreak. I may be the only person on this board to tell you this: Don't compromise your values to satisfy other people. In other words, if you feel that it is wrong to experiment on animals, then don't do it.

Yes, experimenting on animals may be an essential part of medical research. However, that does not mean that it is an essential part of getting into me school/practicing medicine.

There are many alternatives to working with animals. Find a clinical research position that deals with patients, or be up front with the PI's and tell them how you feel. Some may brush you off, but others will respect your beliefs and try to accomodate you.

 

[Paws]

I worked with animals (mice and rats) for six months in a biochem oriented lab. We must've 'sacrificed' a ton of these poor guys and truth be told, it did begin to freak me out after a while. One of my acquaintances stopped speaking to me when I told her I was doing this work, so I know it can bring on very strong reactions in people.

I eventually had to stop because I would feel devastated after a full afternoon of 54 sacrifices, especially since we were also extracted particular body parts as well as the blood and brains. It was an assembly line really, and I would have to go home and have a talk with my Higher Being, because sometimes it just upset me so much.

The final straw for me came one day when we were trying CO2 as a sedative and I had a rat that died right in front of me. I think there are regulations against using CO2 as a real aphixiant in sacrifices, and just watching this poor creature slowly - well, nevermind, you know what I'm saying. 🙁

Next semester I worked with human patients in a research study. 🙂

 

[ek6]

FYI, keep in mind that clinical research positions can look better on your application because of the direct contact with patients.

I understand how you feel too. I also have wrked with animals in research and at times it's tough to do even though you know it is an integral part of medicine.