These photos are from a Blood and Guts course at the Virginia Governor's School. The course is taken by gifted high school students who aspire to careers in medicine. Students dissect several animal species for the sake of learning the anatomy of the animals.
Compassion for my patients was one of the most important lessons that I took away from my medical training. The opposite lesson is being taught here -- I find these photos disrespectful and absolutely inappropriate. We know that dissecting animals is an inefficient way to teach about human anatomy. Students could see actual human bodies in a cadaver lab, for example, or use a computer simulator, and would probably learn more that way than from dissecting non-human animals.
If you're as disgusted as I am, please visit here. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is trying to stop this gruesome dissection course. From this web site, you can get links to express your concern to the people responsible for this so-called educational experience. I already have.
17 comments:
I am so creeped out by the look of joy on their face. Yuck.
This is as bad as the guantanomo photos. I can't believe these kids are going to be compassionate doctors. I'm writing to the Physician's Committtee now.
That is so disturbing... I will definitely be writing... it's just sick.
Based on Urban Vegan's comment, it seems that the post might be a little confusing. The Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine website has information on who to write to to complain about the Blood and Guts course at the Virginia Governors' School. PCRM is a pro-animal, pro-vegan organization that promotes the use of alternative testing. Sorry, I just didn't want anyone unfamiliar with PCRM to think that that organization is the one responsible for this heinous class.
Good point Joyatri. I've clarified. Thanks!
That is so disrespectful to be posing like that with the animals! I had to do dissections this year, but at least they told us there would be no goofing off with the bodies!
Hi- personally I do not see the problem with these young high school students. they are immature and were probably asked to pose.
we have bigger things in the world to worry about- take a look at the middle east. americans have a tendency to get caught up with minute little details in their daily lives. what they eat, what the animals think etc.
human beings are being murdered by terrorists daily in other parts of the world. you're lucky because you are protected by all that goes.
open your eyes. forget stupid pig dissections.
To Anonymous: Yes bad things are going on in the world. I've donated to charitable causes that try to help those suffering, including the Red Cross. I've even visited Israel, helping their economy in these tough times in the Middle East.
That doesn't mean that I can't find problem with the suffering of animals. One is not mutually exclusive of the other.
Horrifying. I support PCRM all the way and have for years. I am thankful they help keep an eye on sad situations such as these.
Being a physician has to be so difficult, VeganDoc, especially with this kind of thing. Awful.
There are some serious sickos in the world. I hope I am never in a position where they are responsible for my medical care.
that is gross
i never had to do any of that in high school. i refused
I wrote my comment before I had clicked on the link--but yes, I did write to the folks who run the Governors School, as directed by the PCFRM. They are a great organization.
Thanks again for raising awareness of this, VeganDoc.
These courses teach discompassion and devaluation of animal suffering. And as you said, they are inferior models for human anatomy. They help no one.
To anonymous: Agreed: there are seemingly intractable human problems. All of us, including vegans, want them to end, and we try to do our part to end them, and to help the victims, and to make the world a more peaceful and just place. Why add to the world's misery by inflicting needless cruelty on animals? They suffer too.
Are you kidding me? I am a former student of this program AND THIS CLASS and it was the most insightful class of my life. How DARE you comment on our integrity? Half the people in that class will one day be YOUR physician and I hope they give you more respect than you give them. You whine and complain about how disrespectful we are when you're being disrespectful to us. Oh, and I am a vegetarian, so don't feel that you can use that against me. Shame on you and shame on PCRM for destroying some chance for high schoolers to learn about future opportunities.
Interesting comments from a former student. Read my response, posted today on the blog (September 11, 2006).
you should realize that these kids were merely posing sophomorically for pictures. before you judge a class based on a few pictures, try to actually learn about what it's really about. anatomy, medicine, and biology are really important.
Love your approach to medicine. I’m looking for a cardiologist in the New York area (Rockland County). Do you have anyone you would recommend? Thanks
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