Answers to Your Questions
About Donating Your Body to Medical Education and Research
Why are human bodies donated to the Quillen College of
Medicine?
They are an indispensable aid in medical teaching. The
basis of all medical knowledge is human anatomy; human anatomy
can be learned only by a study of the human body. Without this
study there would be no physicians, and no surgery.
How will my body be used?
Most bodies are used to teach medical and physical therapy
students, residents and in the continuing education program for
surgeons.
Will my body or body parts be sold or used by anyone
other than the College of Medicine?
No. All remains that are donated to the Program are used
for teaching programs.
Will the person studying my body be aware of its
identity?
No. Identity is strictly confidential. The only
information given to the students is age at the time of death and
the cause of death.
Are there any restrictions on the condition of bodies
accepted?
Yes. The remains may be refused in certain instances
when tissues have been destroyed (for example, by a serious
automobile accident), or when the body has been autopsied, or
embalmed incorrectly. Also, we will not accept the remains if
organs other than the eyes have been removed at the time of
death, if the body weight is in excess of 230 pounds, or if the
donor has or dies of a contagious disease (for example, AIDS,
hepatitis, MRSA, staph). The determination of the acceptability
of the body or donation can only be made at the time of death,
since the cause of death may render the donation unusable for
study. To avoid undue grief and disappointment to members of your
family, they should be made aware of these conditions.
Is this a normal and acceptable procedure?
Definitely, yes. It is critical to medical education
and advancement of health care in our area and beyond.
Are there ethical standards in the use of my body for
health sciences?
The highest professional standards are carefully
followed, and the body is treated with dignity and respect. Only
authorized persons are involved, and all are thoroughly trained
in fundamental requirements and professionalism.
Is there an urgent need for body donations?
The need is great and will be increased by the demand
for more physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health service
practitioners.
Is donating one’s body difficult or complicated?
No, it is a very simple and easy procedure. One needs
only to complete a donation form which requires a few items of
information: the donor’s social security number, the
donor’s birthdate and signature and the signature of two
(2) witnesses.
Can a donation take place against the wishes of the
spouse or next-of-kin?
Under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, your wishes take
legal precedence over those of your next-of-kin.
However, the Quillen College of Medicine will not accept a
body when there is an objection to donation or dissension among
members of the family who are legally responsible for final
disposition of the body. Donors are advised to notify all
persons likely to be concerned of their intentions and of their
plans to make a donation of their body.
Then what is the purpose of pre-arranged donation?
Your donation relieves the next-of-kin of making this
decision under the handicap of grief. Your pre-arranged donation
protects both the Quillen College of Medicine and your survivors,
and simplifies the procedure at the time of death.
What if I have expressed a wish to donate my body but
neglect to sign the donation form before death occurs?
Your survivors can carry out your wishes by immediately
notifying the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology of your
death and then signing the following statement. This release
statement should be sent with the body.
“ I/we being the next-of-kin of (name of deceased) do hereby agree to the use of his/her body to the Quillen College of Medicine for education purposes.”
Can the next-of-kin donate the body of a recently
deceased relative to medical science?
Yes, the person(s) legally entitled to the custody the
body and of legal age can make this donation by signing the
release form described above.
May I alter, cancel or revoke my donation if I change my
mind?
Yes, at any time by
writing to the Department of Anatomy
and Cell Biology.
Will I or my family be paid for my body?
No. State law prohibits the selling of bodies and parts
thereof. There is a rumor which persists, even today, all over
the country. We do not buy bodies. Your donation should be made
in the spirit of a truly priceless gift for mankind and the
advancement of health sciences.
Are bodies acceptable if the EYES have been donated to
the Eye Bank?
Yes. However, a donation cannot be accepted if organ(s)
such as kidney, heart, lungs are donated for transplant purposes.
The procedures involved in removal of organs are extensive and
interrupt the blood vessels in so that it is not possible to
achieve the type of embalming necessary for carrying out future
anatomical studies.
How long is required for the scientific study?
In most instances there is a time lapse of from 1 to 3
years between the arrival of the body at the College of Medicine
and completion of the study.
Must I be a resident of Tennessee to donate my body?
No. Persons residing outside the state (over 30 miles
from Johnson City) may make this request regardless of the
distance i
f the cost of transportation and embalming are assumed by the
estate of the deceased. Individuals in neighboring states
are encouraged to contact medical schools within their respective
state prior to donating to the Quillen College of Medicine to
determine if these expenses can be avoided.
What if my death occurs away from home?
An identification card and necklace with instructions
are provided by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. This
card and/or necklace should be in your possession at all times.
However, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology can only be
responsible for transportation charges within 30 miles of the
University. Should a donor die while traveling in another part of
the state or country, the family should contact the nearest
medical school. In such cases, the high cost of transportation
and time limitation preclude delivery of the body to the medical
school originally designated in a timely manner.
What if I should move to another state?
If the distance from Johnson City exceeds 30 miles, a
substitute arrangement made with a medical school nearest your
home may be desirable to avoid unnecessary transportation
expenses.
In the event of a change of address, should I notify the
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology?
Yes. Occasionally we mail out updated information about
our donor program, etc. Notifying us of your new address will
make sure that you are kept informed of any new information
concerning the Program. If you move outside of the immediate area
or state, you should make arrangements for the donation of your
body to the medical school nearest your new location.
May a customary or traditional funeral service be held
prior to the transfer of the body to the Quillen College of
Medicine?
A memorial service without the remains present is
recommended. Conducting a traditional funeral service with the
remains of the donor present would cause a delay in our receiving
the body, making embalming impossible.
May a local funeral home which I select embalm by
remains?
No. The Quillen College of Medicine has a state
contract with a funeral home that uses the procedures that we
require. These are different from normal embalming
requirements.
How will the death certificate be handled?
Certified copies of the death certificate may be obtained from
the Health Department in the county where the death occurred. Our
contracted funeral home will provide an application to the
next-of-kin for this purpose.
What happens when the scientific study is concluded?
The remains will be cremated. The Department of Anatomy
and Cell Biology will incur the expense for cremation. The
expense for the burial of the ashes will be at the expense of the
surviving relatives. If no such request is made, the ashes will
be buried in a cemetery plot owned by the College of
Medicine.
Will my family receive a report of the results of your
studies?
No. Our studies do not include any pathological
investigation that could result in any detailed report.
If you have additional questions, call TOLL FREE:
1-866-968-3668 (1-866-968-YOU DON8) or write:
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
East Tennessee State University
Box 70582
Johnson City TN 37614-1708