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Information to Donors
(Print version with Forms)
Medical Students
Thank Body Donors
Contact:
David Adams Coordinator
Anatomical Donation Services
Cellular Biology and Anatomy
Medical College of Georgia
1120 15th Street
Augusta, GA 30912 -
9974
706.721.3731
Anatomical Donation Program
PrefaceThe examination of the dead to gain knowledge of the living body was first practiced extensively in ancient Egypt. Except for the period known as the Dark Ages, this practice has not changed. Today an important part of the training of new physicians, dentists and medical professionals is the examination, dissection and study of the human anatomy.
This Website is dedicated to body donors for their lasting contribution to the medical sciences and to mankind.
Who May Donate
The Medical College of Georgia Anatomical Donation Program is regulated by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act has been adopted by all 50 states and in brief, directs the following:
- Any individual of sound mind and 18 years of age or more may give his or her body to medical science. The gift takes effect at the time of death.
- The next of kin can also make bequeathal of the decedent's body after consultation with the director of the Anatomical Donation Program.
Only residents of Georgia and South Carolina are accepted because of geographical limitations and state governmental approvals.
Information To DonorsCosts
The Medical College of Georgia does not pay for Anatomical Donations; this policy is standard throughout the United States. In most cases, transportation, embalming and cremation are provided by the college. [ more information on cost ]
Memorial Services
Because the donor's body must be delivered to the college as soon as
possible after death, it is not possible to have traditional services. Many
donors and donor's families prefer to have a memorial service without the
body, thereby eulogizing the donor's spirit. This kind of service can be
arranged by the donor or donor's family with clergy or a funeral director.
Cremation
The Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy requires that after
the donor's body has ended its usefulness, which is approximately a
year, the remains be cremated. Cremation is permitted in Christian and
Reform Jewish faiths.
Burial
The disposition of ashes will be according to the wishes of the
donor.
Once a year in late spring, a non-denominational interment service is
held to honor the donors and express appreciation for their
contribution. The service is conducted by the schools' chaplains and
faculty and may be attended by the donor's family and friends.
If the donor or donor's family desires to make different arrangements for the disposition of the ashes, expense for burial or disposition must be provided by the family or estate. A letter accompanying the donation form is required.
Donations Not Accepted
The Medical College cannot accept an autopsied body or one that is
unsuitable for education and research. Also body donations cannot be
accepted if donor requests for special conditions cannot be met by the
college. If such conditions should occur, disposition of the body is the
responsibility of the next of kin or person legally responsible. [
more information on donations not accepted ]
Medical History
It is helpful to have a medical history of each donor. On the
reverse side of Form I (Medical College Copy), please write a brief
medical history and describe any events that you think may have
influenced your health.
How To Donate
Individuals must be pre-registered with the Anatomical Donation Program
The Medical College recommends that you discuss your wishes to donate with your next of kin or individual who will be legally responsible for your body at the time of death. It is important that they understand and will abide by your wishes. Donation by Last Will and Testament is not recommended as burial often precedes its reading.
Enrolling in the Anatomical Donation Program
An increasing number of people are performing a valuable service by making arrangements to donate their bodies to medical science after their death. This contribution is greatly appreciated by the students who will benefit through hands-on experience in their education and medical knowledge.
To Become a Body Donor:Download the Anatomical Donations Booklet containing three forms, at the end of the booklet, that are needed in order to enroll in the program. The booklet is an MS Word document. A description of each form follows:
Form I:
MCG's Copy of the Donation FormThis is the Medical College's Copy. Print this page and enter the information, then mail the form with all necessary signatures to:
Coordinator of the Anatomical Donation Program
Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy
Medical College of Georgia
1120 15th Street
Augusta, GA 30912-9974
When the Medical College receives Form-I an acknowledgement will be mailed with a donor identification card. This card should be carried at all times.
Form II:
Next of Kin's Copy of the Donation Form
This is the Next of Kin Copy or copy
designated for the person responsible for your body at death.
Form III: The
Donor's Copy of the Donation Form
This is the Donor's Copy and should remain
in the Anatomical Donation Booklet and be kept with other personal papers.
If you prefer to receive these documents by mail, click here or call the Anatomical Donation Program at 706.721.3731 and give your name and address for them to be mailed to you.
Procedure At The Time Of DeathThe next of kin or person legally responsible for the donor's body should contact the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy for instructions as soon as possible. The number during regular working hours is 706.721.3731. If death should occur at another time, contact the Medical College operator at 706.721.0211. The operator will contact the department member in charge.
If death should occur in a hospital, the physician and hospital should be notified immediately of the donation.
The body is not to be autopsied or embalmed before it is received by
the Medical College.