What role does a veterinarian play in animal research?

Veterinarians, who have chosen their profession because of their concern for animals and are intimately involved in the care and treatment of laboratory animals. They are charged by federal law with the primary role of directing animal care and use programs for institutions that perform research with animals. The program must include the training of animal research scientists in the humane and responsible handling of research animals. The veterinarian also advises an internal review committee in the approval of all research protocols before animals may be studied. Staff under the veterinarian may include licensed veterinary medical technicians.  more