UNMC’s Anatomical Gift Program held its annual memorial service May 1 to honor the selfless gifts of 120 donors to medical education at UNMC.
The ceremony at the Truhlsen Campus Events Center drew a full room of family members and friends of those whose lives have ended yet whose influence carries on in support of UNMC’s health sciences students.
The student-led event – involving students across the college of medicine, masters in medical anatomy, physician assistant and physical therapy programs – featured tributes in gratitude to the donors, along with music, poetry and personal reflections from the students.
Blake Kidder, who spoke on behalf of the Masters of Medical Anatomy Program students, said the anatomical gifts are crucial for students’ education and their journey into healthcare.
“It is because of their selflessness and generosity that each student in this room can engage with the anatomical sciences in their purest and most meaningful form,” Kidder said.
He added, “Their time on Earth may have been bounded, but the spark they lit in each of us is not. It will carry us into every examination room, operating room, classroom and patient encounter for the careers that they are just beginning.”
Kimberly Latacha, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy and the department’s vice chair for medical education, said UNMC’s students treat the donors as their first patients. In doing so, she said, they learn about anatomy – but also human variability, diseases and conditions affecting the human body.
Beyond that, she said, the students learn about empathy, compassion and gratitude.
“Tonight we’re here to honor the donors, but we’re also here to say thank you to you, to the family and friends that patiently carried out your loved one’s wishes,” Dr. Latacha said.
“We know that is a difficult process … and we appreciate your service to the students and to their education. On behalf of the students, the staff and the faculty in anatomy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, we extend our deepest gratitude to you and to your loved ones for your gifts.”
A reception followed the ceremony, allowing families to visit with students and faculty.