Through your thoughtfulness knowledge grows

University of Utah
School of Medicine
Body Donor Program

A Latin reminder of purpose, Mortui vivos docent (the deceased teach the living), is found etched in anatomy laboratories worldwide. Profound as they may be, these words vastly understate the value of and the need for human anatomical material to further education and research at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

We are living in an age of accelerated medical learning and increasing knowledge. This knowledge compounds daily and ultimately improves the quality of life of all people. During these times when medical dreams are becoming reality, more anatomical material is needed to meet the demands of medical education and research. The three-dimensional intricacies of the human body cannot be fully duplicated in books, on slides, by computers, or through the use of plastic models. The only medium for thorough study and research of the human being is the body itself.

The body donor program administered by the University of Utah Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy is one of few programs in the Intermountain West dedicated to providing anatomical material for the ever-growing educational and research needs of medical science.

The generosity of body donors adds immeasurably to our quality of life. Those who will their bodies to science are giving their mortal substance to contribute to the health and well being of generations to come. They extend their own usefulness far beyond the grave.

Thank you for considering this important gift to medical science. A list of answers to frequently-asked questions is provided here. We hope this information on the University of Utah Body Donor Program will assist you in making your decision.

Kerry Don Peterson
Director
Body Donor Program