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Despite the relative youth of formal post-approval monitoring (PAM), the foundational concepts of IACUC oversight of all animal activities at an institution have a long history and developed

culture. The lack of history and developed culture with formal PAM can create issues within animal research programs. There is a distinct culture in regulatory compliance that is necessary

to have an effective program, and in this particular area of compliance, that is to balance concerns for animal welfare with facilitation of scientific research. The inherent conflict in

that balance presents a great challenge to PAM staff. In this case, Gold has recently been hired into a PAM program, bringing with him substantial technical experience in animal care and

use. Although his background provides excellent qualifications for the position, effective PAM requires more than technical expertise. Crucial to this effectiveness is to have

'permission to advise' from researchers. This 'permission' is developed through the establishment of relationships and can be based on prior history with personnel in an

office or program that conveys that permission to all members of the department or through the development of personal relationships between PAM staff and researchers. Based on his

experience and training, Gold is confident in his recommendations to postdoctoral scholar White and has every intent of being helpful and not obstructive. But Gold is new in his position and

lacks an established relationship with researchers. In addition, the PAM program for which he works may or may not have a history of a client-friendly culture, which affects the reception

of his recommendations. Although a researcher's reaction to a recommendation from a PAM monitor does not determine its validity, there are problems with Gold's recommendation

beyond his lack of 'permission to advise'. Gold's recommendation is based on his training in surgical research. Although he is correct that draping can facilitate aseptic

technique, there is no indication that Gold's recommendation would provide benefit to the animals. In fact, based on some of White's responses, draping might have a negative effect

on animal welfare. White appears to be following the letter and intent of both the regulations and his reviewed, approved IACUC protocol (which should have been developed in conjunction

with the veterinarian). In that regard, there is no basis for requiring him to change his procedures. White's other responses, though common, are not adequate reasons for a refusal to

improve his procedures. Furthermore, his responses reflect flawed logic and a lack of understanding of animal research and the role of PAM. Finally, Gold's position does not enable him

to autonomously change what the IACUC has approved but rather to assist in balancing animal welfare concerns with facilitation of scientific research. In this case, Gold has created an

adversarial rather than collegial situation without demonstrated or suggested concern for animal welfare and has lost an opportunity to develop that 'permission to advise' with

White. Given that White is in compliance with his IACUC protocol and animal research regulations and that there appear to be no animal welfare concerns, Gold should learn from this standoff

and move on. Return to Protocol Review AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * Blumenthal is President and Managing Director and Robbins is Consultant at Gracewood Associates,

Charlotte, NC., Susan R. Blumenthal &  Joshua A. Robbins Authors * Susan R. Blumenthal View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Joshua A.

Robbins View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Blumenthal,

S., Robbins, J. Response to Protocol Review Scenario: Develop a collegial relationship. _Lab Anim_ 41, 280 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban1012-280a Download citation * Published: 19

September 2012 * Issue Date: October 2012 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/laban1012-280a SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Get

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