The University of Hawaiʻi Willed Body Program
The Importance of Body Donation
Anatomy is the study of the structure and function of the human body. It is one of the most important courses in the education of physicians, therapists and all other health care professions. The study of anatomy comes early in the medical curriculum and serves as the foundation for other courses. In addition, physicians in residency training and those in practice often pursue special courses in anatomy to enhance their skills and learn new techniques. Body donation plays a critical role in helping medical and health-related science students to master the complex anatomy of the human body and provides researchers with an essential tool for discoveries to help patients.
The Willed Body Program
The Body Donation Program at the University of Hawaiʻi, John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), is committed to excellence in research and education. While the primary focus of the Willed Body Program is to obtain the human cadaver for educational and scientific study, we strive to administer our program in a way consistent with the spirit of the good physician. In our contact with donors registering with the Willed Body Program or with the families of the donor we provide service that is compassionate as well as competent. Anatomical donations are greatly appreciated. Each contributes directly to new understandings. The need is great, and each gift is valued and honored. Students and staff treat each donor with the utmost respect and dignity.
Each year, to show their appreciation to the donors and their families, medical students and staff participate in a Memorial Service to honor these “silent teachers”.
Loved ones gather at the Waikiki end of Magic Island to watch the scattering of cremains offshore.
MD students will carry the remains of anatomy body donors onboard canoes, and paddle to a spot where, with great gratitude, they will give a final “mahalo” to those who have been their silent teachers.
Learn more about the Willed Body Program here!
University of Hawaiʻi
Dept. of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology Willed Body Program
651 Ilalo Street, BSB 110
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-692-1445
E-mail: wbdonor@hawaii.edu