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 Dispostion. 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 organ donation, contact:

Iowa Donor Network

550 Madison Avenue

North Liberty, IA 52317

or telephone: (319) 665-3787

24-Hour Phone: (800) 831-4131

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

The 2008 annual memorial service will be held on:

Friday, August 29, 2008, 1:30 pm.
Oakland Cemetery
Iowa City, Iowa