Use of animals at WCMC-Q (or at another institution when funded through WCMC-Q) requires the approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Any personnel working with animals at WCMC-Q must also have medical clearance from the WCMC-Q Occupational Health Program (OHP).

IACUC Review

WCMC-Q currently does not have a local IACUC. Therefore, the IACUC at our New York City (NY) campus serves as the designated IACUC for all animal research conducted by or under the direction of WCMC-Q faculty and staff.

The WCMC-NY IACUC must prospectively review and approve all WCMC-Q activities involving animals, including training activities. WCMC-NY IACUC review and approval is also required for animal research funded through WCMC-NY or WCMC-Q.

The WCMC-NY IACUC uses an on-line submission and review system called eSirius. Follow these steps to get access to eSirius and apply for IACUC approval:

1. Ensure that you have a valid WCMC CWID. This is generally the same user ID as your user ID to access the WCMC-Q systems. Please contact the WCMC-Q IT Helpdesk for assistance.


2. Email iacucadmin@med.cornell.edu to request access to the eSirius system.


3. Submit your application through the eSirius system by going to  http://esirius.med.cornell.edu/eSirius/.

Please note: Only those individuals who have an appointment as Instructor or higher may serve as the Principal Investigator on IACUC protocols.

Please refer to the WCMC-NYC IACUC Intranet for additional information regarding IACUC policies and procedures.

Medical Clearance

If you will handle animals or work regularly in spaces used to house animals, you must get and maintain medical clearance. This is to protect your health and safety and to minimize risks to animals.

The medical clearance is provided by the WCMC-Q OHP. The clearance is based on requirements set for animal users by WCMC-NY.

In general, the initial clearance will involve completion of a medical questionnaire and a physical examination. Annual clearance will require another questionnaire and possibly some repeat procedures.

You may need additional procedures, such as immunizations or blood tests to verify immunity to certain diseases. This will depend on your role, your medical history and/or the species you plan to use.

Initial Medical Clearance

Please follow the steps below. If you wish to make different arrangements, please complete step 1 below and then contact Kip Kantelo at or x8404.

1. Assemble the following paperwork:
   • Complete and sign Section I of the Medical Clearance Packet
   • Assemble any available records of vaccinations and/or recent titers
   • Review and complete the Appointment Request form
2. Submit the above paperwork by Campus Mail or in person to Kip Kantelo, Research Dept., Room B157. Please mark the envelope "Confidential/OHP." Please keep a copy for your records.
3. Await an e-mail with instructions regarding your medical clearance appointment (even if you plan to make your own arrangements to see a physician of your choice).
4. Attend your scheduled medical clearance appointment. Take your Medical Clearance Packet with you. The physician will review Sections I and II of your packet and complete any needed procedures. The physician will complete Section III and attach any lab reports and vaccination records.
5. If the physician does not directly return documentation to the OHP, return your completed packet and any attached records by Campus Mail or in person to Kip Kantelo, Research Dept., Room B157. Please mark the envelope "Confidential/OHP".
6. Await e-mail notification of clearance.

Annual Medical Clearance

Information available soon

HMC Vaccination Unit

If you need vaccinations (for example, a tetanus booster) to complete the Medical Clearance process, the HMC Vaccination Unit offers many vaccines at no cost or for a nominal fee. Please take your HMC Health Card with you any time you visit the HMC Vaccination Unit.

The HMC Vaccination Unit is located in the Mesaimeer Health Centre, on Wholesale Market Street between the Al Maamoura/Fruit & Vegetable Market Roundabout and the Abu Hamour Roundabout. See embedded map below.

The HMC Vaccination Unit hours are as follows
Sunday-Thursday: 0700-1400 and 1600-2200
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 0700-1200

View Larger Map

If you require further assistance, please contact
Kip Kantelo
Director, Research Compliance
Phone: +974 4492-8404