Success in stereotaxic surgery - a practical approach to refinement and applying the 3Rs

Webinar

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Cranial surgery is one of the more challenging procedures that is carried out in the research context: The surgery itself is delicate and procedures are often lengthy, challenging our anaesthesia and patient care techniques too. Use of equipment such as stereotaxic frames, complicates the approach and the maintenance of a properly aseptic field during surgery. This presentation examines how we can apply Refinement to cranial surgery and patient care, including some top tips for optimising outcomes for your research and for the animal. There will be opportunity for a brief question and answer session at the end of the presentation, so feel free to share your experiences, questions and concerns. All welcome!

Speaker: 
Lucy Whitfield
DVM, MA, VetMB, DLAS, PGCert(VetEd), FHEA, MRCVS
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Qualified from the University of Cambridge in 1992, Lucy worked in general practice before joining the Technical Services division of a global Animal Health company. Working with the research animals on site, Lucy became fascinated by the vets’ crucial role in the care and welfare of laboratory animals and became a full-time Designated Veterinarian. During 16 years at the Royal Veterinary College, London and built up a department of like-minded colleagues, providing dedicated DV services, education and training to a range of Institutes. 
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Passionate about education, she has developed and delivered a range of training courses for researchers, techs and vets, including an ECLAM Residency programme. Leading an ETPLAS working group, Lucy developed a system that facilitates high standards and transparency in assessment of practical competence, in order to safeguard animal welfare and to promote good science.
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Lucy was Past-President of the LAVA, Member of Education and Training Section of LASA and a Founding Board Member of EALAS. I’ve contributed to many expert working groups, including NC3Rs, and delighted to have been an invited speaker at a number of international conferences and courses. Currently, she is co-Director of OWL Vets, an independent, company providing veterinary services, training and education to the research community.