Research and Development Service - VA Portland HCS
Research & Development - Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU)
- Training & Orientation
- VMU Forms
- Staff & Services
- Policies
Training and Orientation
Training to refine your technique and results:
The VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) VMU has many training options available to assist you. Please contact Dr. Ky Dehlinger (ky.dehlinger@va.gov, x55032) to arrange training. All courses are free of charge.
New Personnel
Do you need access to the animal facility? If so, go here.
Do you already have access to the animal facility? If so, go here
VMU Orientation for New Personnel
This basic animal use and facility orientation is required for all persons wishing to gain independent access to the Veterinary Medical Unit and/or work in any of the animal rooms. There are multiple steps to the process:
- Flowchart on how to obtain access to the VMU facility. (570KB, PDF)
- Online Training (25KB, MSWord). Click here to obtain instructions on how to complete the online training mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You must retake the course every three years (within 1,095 days of your last test date).
- Guided Facility Tour. Please contact Dr. Ky Dehlinger (ky.dehlinger@va.gov, x55032) to arrange for a tour of the appropriate facility.
- Required Paperwork. Please complete the following forms and return them to Dr. Ky Dehlinger:
- VMU User Assurances (24KB, MSWord)
- Animal Users Information and Competency Form (43KB, MSWord)
Additional Training Opportunities:
Tier 2: Rodent 101
This species-specific handling course covers basic restraint, handling, injection, blood collection, and anesthesia, and, while not currently required, is strongly recommended for all persons working with animals in any capacity, regardless of experience level. This course lasts ~1.5 hours, and is scheduled biweekly.
Tier 3: Surgical Training Series
These advanced courses are designed to provide a training environment for common study-specific techniques and procedures. Courses offered within the last year include mouse and rat perfusion, mouse and rat anatomy, stereotaxic instrument use (Kopf and Stoelting), and Isoflurane vaporizer use. These courses are offered ~monthly, or by request. Topic ideas are greatly appreciated!
Tier 4: Ad-hoc Study Specific Training
These one-on-one assistance sessions are helpful if you need some help with a specific procedure, technique, or model in your study. Assistance is offered ad hoc--please feel free to call or email!
Training Opportunities for Current Personnel
Completion of the following is required for all persons wishing to maintain independent access to the Veterinary Medical Unit and/or work in any of the animal rooms. There are two parts to the training:
- Online Training (29KB, MSWord). Click here to obtain instructions on how to complete the online training mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You must retake the course every three years (within 1,095 days of your last test date).
- Required Paperwork. Please complete the following forms and return them to Dr. Ky Dehlinger (ky.dehlinger@va.gov, x55032):
- Occupational Health and Safety Form - obtain from Dr. Dehlinger
- VMU User Assurances (24KB, MSWord)
Additional Training Opportunities:
Tier 2: Rodent 101
This species-specific handling course covers basic restraint, handling, injection, blood collection, and anesthesia, and, while not currently required, is strongly recommended for all persons working with animals in any capacity, regardless of experience level. This course lasts ~1.5 hours, and is scheduled biweekly.
Tier 3: Surgical Training Series
These advanced courses are designed to provide a training environment for common study-specific techniques and procedures. Courses offered within the last year include mouse and rat perfusion, mouse and rat anatomy, stereotaxic instrument use (Kopf and Stoelting), and Isoflurane vaporizer use. These courses are offered ~monthly, or by request. Topic ideas are greatly appreciated!
Tier 4: Ad-hoc Study Specific Training
These one-on-one assistance sessions are helpful if you need some help with a specific procedure, technique, or model in your study. Assistance is offered ad hoc--please feel free to call or email!
