Annual Publication 2025 FINAL 05292025 accessible - Flipbook - Page 16
OH, RATS!
BY WONDA RINER
R
ats are commonly used in medical research
because approximately 90% of their genes are
shared with humans. Their predictable biology,
short gestation periods, large litter sizes,
intelligence, and social behavior make them ideal
models for studying human disease, mental and
behavioral health, and responses to treatments. Many medical
schools will build animal research facilities where you can 昀椀nd a
variety of rats to support numerous research efforts.
Residents are often viewed as being more approachable and
less intimidating than attending physicians, therefore they play
a critical role in the educational experience of medical students.
Knowing this, all residents are required to complete RATs
training during orientation, with annual refresher requirements.
RATs training covers topics such as providing feedback, bedside
teaching, leadership, short talks, adult learning, the one-minute
preceptor, and mistakes to avoid in teaching students.
PHOTOS: JULIAN FOX
HUMA FIRDHOS, MD, AND DECLAN FEERY, MD
While rats are common in medical research, medical schools
like the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV embrace
other kinds of RATs – Residents as Teachers. Residents spend
a signi昀椀cant amount of time with medical students during their
clerkship years. Residents will often spend more time with
medical students than attending physicians and, having more
recently been in the role of a medical student, they are ideally
positioned to serve as mentors and teachers.
16 KIRK KERKORIAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT UNLV
