Comparative Medical Science

Mohamed Osman, D.V.M., Ph.D., Director

The Department of Comparative Medical Science is the animal resource center that provides care for the laboratory animals for the scientists in New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry and the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The research programs focus on gaining insight into mechanisms for memory and learning, the evolution of intelligence, the pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurologic diseases, and the development of treatments for such diseases.

The Continuing Education and Occupational Health programs are expanding to meet the growing needs of research at New York State Psychiatric Institute. The emphasis of these seminars is to heighten the awareness of potential hazardous conditions, ensure maximum safety, focus on the standard operating procedures for the humane use of animals, and also, the procedures to prevent any infectious diseases that may affect the personnel or the laboratory animals. Dr. Jane Fried and Susan Flater, RNC, oversee our disease prevention program for TB and Tetanus.

The renovation of the 10^th floor mice facility has been completed and met the goal for the mice housing expansion. The replacement of the rack washer, tunnel washer, and sterilizer has been completed and the machines are running more efficiently and cost effectively, and are improving the husbandry program. The construction on the 9^th floor is still underway. The renovation of the 9^th floor will improve and enhance the environment for the animals housed. The Animal Care Staff are working hard to provide the highest standards of quality care.

The animal care program meets the highest standard of care for both the animals housed, the scientists, and their staff. The program is also in compliance with AAALAC, USDA, and NIH guidelines for the care and use of animals.