Deeded Body Program
Annual Memorial Service Pictures
The Need for Anatomical Gifts in Medical Education and Research
The study of human anatomy constitutes an indispensable part of medical education and research. There is a continual need for anatomical gifts in the teaching of medical and dental students, postgraduate physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and students in related disciplines
Who May Donate
Any competent person over 18 years of age may donate his or her body for medical education and research.
How One May Donate
The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology requires that a Deed of Disposition be on file in the department prior to the donor's death. The department will provide the legal forms which require only a few items of information, the donor's signature, and the signatures of two witnesses. A brief medical history form must also be completed and returned to the department with the original of the completed Deed of Disposition. Following receipt of these documents the department will acknowledge acceptance of the deed, review the information, and issue an identification card if the applicant meets the necessary criteria. By law, a medical college may not purchase any human body.
When Death Occurs
At the time of death, the person in charge of the donor's affairs should select and notify a funeral director and make arrangements concerning transportation to Iowa City and any other professional services needed or desired. Only donors transported by a licensed funeral facility will be accepted. If desired, visitation and a traditional funeral service may be held prior to the transfer to Iowa City. If there will be a delay of more than eight hours because of a funeral service, distance, weather, et cetera, embalming will be necessary. The cost of transportation and the funeral director's professional service fees must be borne by the family or estate.
When a Donor's Gift Cannot Be Accepted
Occasionally a problem may exist which would interfere with the intended use of a donor's gift for education and research. Such problems may include extensive autopsy or trauma, the presence of a certain highly contagious disease, or a weight problem which would prevent the optimal use of the gift. In such an instance, the next of kin or the person in charge of the donor's affairs, if known to us, will be informed and other options for final disposition will be discussed.
When Studies Are Completed
A time of one to one and one-half years is usual before completion of our studies. When studies are completed the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology will comply with the wishes of the next of kin or person responsible for the donor's affairs regarding final disposition. Options available include: cremation and the return of the cremains in a burial urn to a designated receiver at the expense of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (any subsequent expenses will be borne by the family or estate.) Or, cremation and interment of the cremains in Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City at the expense of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. A Memorial Service is held once each year and the next-of-kin, or person in charge of the donor's affairs, is notified and invited to attend. This person may then notify other family members and friends. If the cremains of a donor are not claimed by the family within one year following the completion of studies, the cremains will be interred at the next Memorial Service.
To Receive Information Write to:
The Deeded Body Program Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology Bowen Science Building Iowa City, Iowa 52242 or telephone: (319) 335-7762 email: darrell-wilkins@uiowa.edu
For Information on eye donation, contact:
Iowa Lions Eye Bank
2346 Mormon Trek Blvd., Suite 1500
Iowa City, IA 52246 or
telephone: (319) 356-2874
24-Hour Phone: (866) 433-7733
A body is still useful for medical education and research if eyes have been donated.
Please Note
A Uniform Donor Card is NOT sufficient for whole body donation to the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at The University of Iowa. A Deed of Disposition and medical history form must be on file with the department prior to the donor's death.
The Deeded Body Program is sincerely committed to establishing a dignified, compassionate, and comforting relationship with each of its donors and their families.
The 2010 annual memorial service will be held on:
Friday, August 27, 2010, 1:30 pm.
Oakland Cemetery
Iowa City, Iowa
