Heritage College honors body donors at memorial service

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial to honor those who have donated their body to science and medical education was held in-person at Heritage Hall in Athens. The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Body Donor Memorial Service provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather and remember their loved ones and for medical students to convey their condolences and deep appreciation for the gift of knowledge.

“We are so grateful to be able to gather in person once again to honor our body donors and express deep appreciation for this incredible gift to medical education and research. To be able to do so in Heritage Hall, where our student physicians train, makes this year’s ceremony even more special,” said Heritage College Executive Dean Ken Johnson, D.O. “Anatomy is the basis for everything that a physician will learn throughout the course of their career. In effect, anatomical donations are critical to the training of future doctors. We are beyond grateful for the altruism of our donors, whose final gift to medicine will benefit wellbeing in perpetuity.”   

At the April 15 ceremony, family and friends attended along with first- and second-year students on the Athens campus. A livestream was available for Heritage College students on the Dublin and Cleveland campuses and for health professions students.

The ceremony began with music provided by second-year medical student Thomas Pasquale, followed by remarks from the executive dean, three medical students and a representative from the Ohio University physical therapy program.

Sameer Chaurasia, a second-year student on the Athens campus, told families that as he was preparing for the memorial, he turned to his fellow students because he had difficulty finding words to fully express his feelings. He heard from students that “they are filled with thankful and grateful feelings but also with a certain motivation to excel and provide compassionate care.”

He concluded by saying, “While going through our training, we will encounter moments of defeat and helplessness, but we will also encounter many patients of whose lives are saved or changed for the better. And it will be in those moments where your loved one’s legacy, selflessness and generosity will impact the lives of others.”

Shane Boehler, a student in the physical therapy program, echoed that sentiment. He asked what he and his fellow students had done to deserve this gift. His answer was that “it’s not what we have done but what we will do for many years to come.”

Hashani Hettiarachchi, a second-year student on the Dublin campus, shared that in 2020, her grandfather donated his body for research, that it was something he wanted for many years. “I have so much pride and comfort knowing that my grandfather left his extraordinary life in the same way in which he lived; full of kindness, generosity, and an instinct to help and care for others.”

Evan Miller, a second-year medical student on the Cleveland campus, talked about what the donors mean to him and his fellow medical students. “I want to sincerely thank all the families here today for their contribution and their vote of confidence in the next generation of doctors and health-care workers. It affords us a unique opportunity to have a personal and in-depth experience with medicine that we would never have otherwise.”

Students pointed out that hands-on learning is the most effective way to study human anatomy and apply that education, and they will spend their careers paying forward what they have learned here.

“For many students this is really their first patient. And the gift of knowledge bestowed by the donors is one that will continue for years to come. In a sense, the donors are teachers. They help our students become better physicians, and over their medical careers, that knowledge will be applied to thousands of patients seeking treatment,” said Lawrence Witmer, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and director of anatomical resources.

During the service, Bruce Stoke, minister of the Athens Church of Christ encouraged families to share memories of their loved ones and in doing so, find comfort and strength.

A common theme among families was that their loved ones’ decision to donate their body was characteristic with how they approached life. One family member said, “This was his ultimate selfless gift.” Another said, “I can think of no greater gift than the one our loved ones gave.” Several family members thanked the students for their care and for holding the memorial. They visited with students during the reception.

“Our last memorial service was in 2019 and since then, there have been more than 250 donations,” said Lynn Waugh, Body Donor Program manager. “We all feel immensely grateful that we have the opportunity again to celebrate and remember those whose final contribution was to give of themselves.” 

Another memorial is planned this fall.

Those interested in learning more about the body donor program can call 740.593.2171