The gift of whole body donation enables students of the health sciences (doctor, nurses, dentists, physical therapists) to study the anatomy of the human body. This study is one of the most important in preparing for their careers.
Anatomy gifts are made through a voluntary program that can be registered with a medical school. Through policy creation, education and outreach, the program helps to create a culture of respect for donors.
Gross Anatomy Courses
The study of gross anatomy has long been an essential part of the training of physicians, physical therapists and other health science professionals. Although there are anatomical models fabricated from different types of synthetic materials, most academicians and clinicians would agree that dissection of cadaver remains the most effective way for medical students to learn human anatomy.
Whole-body donation companies like United Tissue Network offer individuals the opportunity to donate their bodies for medical research, education, and scientific advancements. These donations support the training of healthcare professionals, development of new treatments, and vital research. The programs ensure ethical practices, respectful handling, and compassionate services for donors.
In some countries, such as Chile, where a recent surge in the number of medical schools has led to an overwhelming demand for cadavers, some universities are forced to rely solely on artificial specimens and museum collections (Gatica-Araneda and Alfaro-Toloza 2014). In addition, there are cultural and religious objections to using animal cadavers, which limits the availability of these models in certain regions.
This lack of available cadavers has created a need to develop alternative teaching methods for learning gross anatomy, including computer-based 3D models. However, most academicians and clinicians would still argue that the use of cadavers provides students with a more realistic and clinically relevant experience than any virtual simulation can offer.
Medical students learn not only about the structure and function of each body system but also how to relate the knowledge they gain from studying human anatomy to the experiences and emotions that patients will face as healthcare professionals. By donating their bodies, anatomical donors make it possible for medical students to be exposed to the complex and human side of the patient-provider relationship.
Moreover, because medical students are required to dissect cadavers during their gross anatomy courses, they need to feel comfortable with and familiar with the physicality of the human body. As a result, many individuals decide to donate their bodies after receiving advanced education in anatomy and other health science subjects.
Donors who choose to donate their bodies express a desire to leave behind a lasting legacy. In addition, donors often indicate that they would like to give back to the community in which they live by helping students become competent and compassionate healthcare providers.
Surgical Training
Medical students undergoing whole body donation training must be able to successfully perform surgical techniques on a variety of organs. This type of simulation training can help prepare them to safely work on patients as surgeons in the real world.
As such, these programs are very valuable for future doctors and researchers (Santos et al. 2014). However, the availability of these programs is dependent upon access to human donors. Currently, donor-based surgical simulation training programs are limited in number due to the availability of donated bodies. This may be a result of a variety of factors including societal beliefs, cultural values, and geographic factors (Oktem et al. 2020).
Individuals wishing to donate their bodies can register in advance with an anatomical donation program or designate a legally authorized person to make this decision on their behalf after death. Accredited NADOs must ensure that the donor or their authorizing person is properly informed and understands all aspects of this process. Once registered, a donor will receive a yellow pocket card to carry with them at all times as an indication of their intention to donate their body after death.
People who choose to become anatomical donors often report a strong sense of pleasure in knowing their donation will aid medical science and research to improve the quality of healthcare for future generations. They also feel good knowing they are providing an opportunity for current and future physicians to learn the anatomy of the human body.
Despite the positive impact of cadaveric dissection on student education and professionalism, some studies have indicated negative psychological impacts on students exposed to deceased humans prior to clinical experiences. This has prompted some institutions to explore alternative methods of gross anatomy instruction such as virtual human models or 3D-printed cadavers (Harris et al. 2015).
These programs may be more difficult to establish and implement in regions with limited availability of human donor bodies. However, it is possible to expand the use of donor-based simulation training by promoting the concept of willed body donation and encouraging communities to adopt practices that support this effort (Santos et al. 2015).
Research
The human body is a remarkable and valuable resource for the study of anatomy. This type of research is a vital component of medical education and clinical training. Physicians and other health-related science researchers rely on donated bodies to develop new surgical procedures such as knee, hip and shoulder replacements, plastic surgery techniques including flap reconstruction for burn victims and many other medical and scientific studies.
Research conducted with whole body donors also contributes to a better understanding of the causes of disease and illness in order to provide the highest level of care to patients of tomorrow. These discoveries are the foundation of improved treatment options and cures.
Donated bodies are used for professional level gross anatomy courses that are required in the education of physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physical therapists and other health care professionals. In addition, donors are used to conduct detailed studies of diseases such as cancer and other chronic conditions that can be prevented or treated with medications and surgical interventions.
In the United States, donor dissections are predominantly performed in university programs called willed body programs that are housed within academic institutions. These programs are the primary source for basic and advanced anatomy studies for undergraduate, graduate and medical school students. Additionally, they are used to support specialized training like forensic or mortuary school and can supplement other university programs that do not have their own willed body program.
Donors may choose to donate their bodies for a period of three years or may elect an indefinite donation. The donor pays for all funeral home costs as well as the initial preparation and transportation of the body to the Body Donation Program.
Patient Care
Whether they are medical students, physician residents, or first responders in the field, current and future health care providers rely on human anatomy to learn about patient care. Without body donation, this essential education would not be possible. While the study of anatomy is often seen as a rite of passage for medical students, it is also an invaluable tool for physicians and other health care professionals who must understand the intricate details of each human organ and system to provide the best care for patients in their practices.
Anatomical donation allows doctors to carefully examine the human body and its systems to ensure they are prepared to treat patients with confidence and skill. In addition, the research that is performed using donated bodies can lead to life-saving treatments for conditions like cancer, spinal cord injuries, and muscular dystrophy.
Whole body donation is a type of non-transplant anatomical gift that can be made by anyone over the age of 18. An individual may pre-sign into this program via the donor forms linked here or, at the time of death, their legal authorizing party may arrange for their donation by filling out the appropriate form at the time of their passing.
Each whole body donation program has its own criteria that it uses to determine eligibility for the program. For example, some programs will not accept a body that has been donated for transplant or used for another type of research. Other programs may be more lenient on the presence of certain infectious diseases or conditions such as high or low weight. The donor’s personal history will be evaluated by representatives of the program to determine if it meets the criteria of that specific program.
For many, the decision to donate their bodies to medical education and research is a deeply personal and meaningful choice. A donation provides a way for an individual to make a lasting contribution to medical science and health care while also easing the financial burden on family members. An annual service honors those who have made this special bequest.
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