Howard University Medical Students Held A Memorial Service for Donated Bodies
In a dynamic and moving ceremony, students in professional health programs at Howard University came together on April 30, 2015, to memorialize men and women who donated their bodies to be used for medical education.
The initial training of all students of medicine, dentistry, nursing, physician assistants, occupational therapy, physical therapy and other allied health disciplines involves learning anatomy from donated bodies. All bodies that are used at Howard University are donated; the generous gifts provide the cornerstone of which the institution’s professional programs in the health sciences are built.
The Anatomy Memorial Service allowed students and faculty members to offer heart-felt testimonials and prayers. Dozens of family members of the deceased individuals also participated. The ceremony included flowers, candles, and expressions of appreciation representing the varied cultures and religious backgrounds of the Howard University student community. Students recited poetry, sang song and gave instrumental performances. Others offered personal reflections on the educational significance of the experience.