USD hosts memorial service to honor donors to Body Donor Program

This is the seventh year of the memorial service that honors family members by recognizing the contribution of their loved ones who gave a special gift to the study of medicine. Students from the medical, physician assistant, occupational therapy and physical therapy programs along with faculty and staff will share testimonials and their appreciation to family members in attendance.

“The memorial service is a unique opportunity for donors’ families to know that their loved one was treated with care and respect,” said event coordinator Carleen McNeely. “And that their loved one’s gift was not just a value to students and faculty in our program but to the study of medicine.”

The Sanford School of Medicine and the School of Health Sciences relies on the voluntary donation of bodies for medical and other professional health programs. Body donations are crucial in teaching gross anatomy as the foundation for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, occupational and physical therapists, and paramedics. Donors have served as the “first patient” for thousands of USD students.

“This program has both an emotional and educational impact on our students and faculty,” said Jane Gavin, director of medical anatomical laboratories. “I think the memorial service means as much to them as it does to the family members we are honoring.”

About the Sanford School of Medicine

For more than a century, the Sanford School of Medicine of The University of South Dakota has set the standard for medical education of students, residents and professionals in the state. The school’s mission includes education, research and service. It emphasizes family practice to help create the next generation of doctor’s for all parts of the state. The school’s economic impact includes attracting $17 million annually in research funding as well as hosting two of the four 2010 Research Centers designated by the governor.

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