Korean College of Laboratory Animal Medicine

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Greetings

Dear Esteemed Members of the Korean College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (KCLAM),

I am honored to serve KCLAM as your eighth president from 2021 to 2023. KCLAM, established in 2006, has been well-organized and achieved successful results, including institutionalization to certify the Diplomate of the Korean College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DKCLAM). I would like to express sincerely my gratitude to the previous organizing committee who dedicated their time improving KCLAM.

The number of animal experiments has increased rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is likely due to the medical development of vaccines and therapeutics to fight against COVID-19. The increased number of animal experimentation in a short period has triggered great concerns about the ethical treatment of animals. The rising use of animal experimentation may have an impact on any new amendments of the Animal Protection Act and the Laboratory Animal Act. Therefore, KCLAM, on behalf of laboratory animal veterinarians, will endeavor to cope with the rapidly changing environment of animal research in critical areas.

First, KCLAM will strive to improve the capabilities of laboratory animal veterinarians by developing quality educational programs and professional training workshops. Experienced laboratory animal veterinarians are eager and willing to share their expertise with entry-level veterinarians. Therefore, KCLAM will try to implement programs that help junior veterinarians enhance their knowledge by providing hands-on experiences from qualified experts.

Laboratory animals are subject to the Animal Protection Act and the Laboratory Animal Act under current law. Therefore, KCLAM will also solicit laboratory animal veterinarians’ opinions on current legislation to enhance animal welfare and make secure the vital role of laboratory animal veterinarians.

Finally, KCLAM will commit to build and strengthen international collaboration with global associations, such as the International Association of Colleges of Laboratory Animal Medicine (IACLAM), the European College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ECLAM), the Japanese College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (JCLAM), and the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM). We will also work to resume and expand in-person international collaboration in accordance with the government’s plan for COVID-19 safety and regulations.

I am confident that KCLAM will become even more influential and our impact will be greater from working together. I strongly encourage you to participate actively in KCLAM activities. Join fruitful discussions and quarterly professional training, contribute to the work of KCLAM committees and interest groups, and share your voice to protect and enhance laboratory animal veterinarians’ rights. I very much look forward to working with you and learning from your unique perspectives to enrich and expand our community.

Respectfully,

Je Kyung Seong, D.V.M., Ph.D., DKCLAM
Eighth President, 2021-2023