Human Body Donation
2012 Tribute Program (PDF download).
In memory of a donor
By: Octav Cristea, 2007 Human Anatomy Student
Who is this man? I ask myself, how can I ever know,
The mind behind the face to which my thanks I wish to show.
Alas a name is but a name, surely there must be more,
His smiles, his cries, his passions; his thoughts from times before.
The sands of time don’t swallow all, for if we look we find,
An imprint of all that we were, in what we leave behind.
And so his actions speak for him, a glance at how he lived,
For us, one thing speaks above all: he made the choice to give.
And thus we come to glimpse his mind, and to whom did it occur,
That we should come to such respect, never uttering a word.
The private self must end for all, as we all know it will
But through the echo of his gift, he speaks within us still.
Introduction
Many people are investigating the possibility of donating
their bodies to the University of Guelph for educational
purposes, thereby making a unique contribution to the
advancement of medical science. In recognition of this
wish, the Human Tissue Gift Act (1971) and the Anatomy
Act allow for such bequeathals, provided that there is no
objection by the next-of-kin. Body donations are overseen
by the Chief Coroner of Ontario.
These donations are fundamental in educating students in
the anatomical sciences, and provide the foundation for
further studies in the medical and health sciences.
Students preparing themselves for careers in medicine and
other related health professions are very aware and respectful of the special privilege granted to them through
the Body Donation Program at the University of Guelph,
and are obligated to conduct themselves in a professional
manner during their educational training.
The education of students in the medical sciences largely
depends on the generous intentions of the people who
donate their bodies to be studied after their deaths. On
behalf of the University of Guelph and all the students of
anatomy here, we would like to express deep appreciation
for the generous spirit of those who donate their bodies to
medical science.
How to Become a Donor
The necessary information and forms may be obtained by
contacting the Human Anatomy Program at the University
of Guelph.
519-824-4120 extension 56171
519-400-4630 (24 Hour Human Body Donation Line)
anatomy@uoguelph.ca
Human Anatomy Program
Department of Human Health and Nutritional
Sciences
College of Biological Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 2W1
After contacting the Human Anatomy Program, you will
receive a 'Donation of Body to School of Anatomy’ form
(Part I and Part II) and a Donor Card.
Part I of the form must be completed and returned to the
Human Anatomy Program. You will retain Part II (a
duplicate form). Part II should be readily available to the
next-of-kin or executor. We recommend keeping your
Donor Card with your health insurance card, so it may be
found readily.
We cannot accept a body without the consent of the next-of-kin or executor. Therefore, we strongly recommend
that you discuss your wishes with your family and friends.
Timing is crucial for body donations. Your next-of-kin,
executor, or the person lawfully in charge of your body
must be in a position to act immediately following your
death. We also suggest that you inform your physician,
lawyer and funeral director of your wishes. You may
choose to consult your clergyman to clarify the views of
your faith about this act of dedication. In addition, this
consultation will enable your clergyman to guide your
family at the time of your death, and to arrange a
memorial service without the presence of the body, should
this be your desire.