Post graduate survey and evaluation of role of animal experimentation, status and relevance of current syllabus, and challenges for alignment with requirements of the pharmaceutical industry

Abstract

Background: The current scenario has brought the validity of animal experimentation (AE) under scrutiny. The requirements from an academician in the pharmaceutical industry are not sufficiently handled. A gnawing need was felt to conduct a study amongst the post graduate MD pharmacologists regarding the role of AE, relevance of current syllabus and challenges faced in the pharmaceutical industry. Methods: This questionnaire-based survey was carried out amongst post graduate (PG) residents pursuing MD pharmacology. Students were enrolled via social contacts, email, and in 2 workshops/conferences. The survey questionnaire consisted of 20 questions in total. 47 completed questionnaires were returned from a total 60. The data was collected in an anonymous fashion to avoid bias. Results: From the study we observe that PG residents were aware of the current MCI/University guidelines on AE. Only 42.5% (n=20) of the volunteers replied that they had access to simulator software. Participants were of the opinion that the current PG teaching curriculum is ill-adapted to tackle challenges encountered in the pharmaceutical industry. Compulsory industry rotation (31.9%) was one of the favoured suggested changes. Overall satisfaction with MD pharmacology was obtained in the positive. Conclusions: We conclude that the importance of AE in pharmacology is irrefutable, although advent of alternatives is the direction to be headed in. The curriculum is archaic at times, thus warrants changes. Preparedness for pharmaceutical industry is also low and needs to be addressed.