"The treatment was successful because of the physician's skill." This is a simple statement, but did you ever wonder
how a physician becomes so skillful? Early in the medical career he or she must learn how the human body
is constructed before treating living patients. This is learned by careful study of the human body.
No models, films or books can substitute for the human body itself.
Why does Emory need my body? Almost all bodies used at Emory Medical School are donated by generous individuals who wish to be useful to the living after death. We all cannot endow a hospital or establish a clinic, but each of us has the opportunity to make one valuable gift to medical science - the gift of his or her body after death.
May I donate my organs and still donate my body to Emory? Removal of organs and/or tissue for transplantation may make body donation impratical. The Body Donor Program encourages organ donation, but cannot assure the donor that the body will be accepted.
Will I be paid for leaving my body to Emory? No. The donor's representative will be asked to arrange and pay the cost of transporting the body to Emory. Such arrangements may be made with a transportation service, a funeral home, or an ambulance service. It is advisable to investigate transportation options before the donor's death.
How are bodies used for education and training? Many bodies are dissected by closely supervised medical students and other health profesionals in training either at Emory
or at another accredited institution. Others are used by the medical school faculty and residents to develop new surgical or
diagnostic procedures or to provide continuing education to physicians or other health professionals.
Is this the same as an autopsy? No. An autopsy determines the cause of death and takes only a short time. Anatomical dissection
requires detailed examination of the entire body or individual components, with emphasis on normal structure. No reports of any
kind are furnished to the donor's family.
Will my body be treated with respect? Yes. Faculty, students, residents, and fellows in training are aware that the body from which they learn is a generous donation. No disrespect is permitted. All use of the body is closely supervised, and the identity of the body is known only to a few faculty and staff members. Bodies are NOT displayed to the public.
Does my religion approve of body donation? Most religions approve of body donation. If you are uncertain of your religion's position on the use of the dead body, consult your Minister, Pastor, Rabbi or Priest.
Must my family agree with my wish to give my body to Emory? Emory normally requests consent from the next of kin before accepting a body. It is wise to
consult your family so they will be emotionally prepared to carry out your wishes. They are the ones who
must understand why you feel that the donation of your body is a gift to all future generations. Emory
will decline a body when close family members oppose the donation.
May my survivors have a funeral for me if I donate my body to Emory?
With proper coordination the family may have the body embalmed for viewing and/or a funeral. Otherwise, Emory must receive the body immediately after death.
Is the body returned to the family for burial? No. After study, it is cremated at no expense to the family.
This may be up to 24 months after death. Ashes may be returned to the family for private disposition, if requested.
Ashes will be returned by Registered United States Mail. There will be a nominal fee for preparation and shipping.
What is done with the ashes if they are not returned? They will be buried, after a memorial service, at Decatur Cemetery in Decatur, Georgia. There is no expense to the family.
What happens if I die far from Emory? Essentially, there are two options:
(1) The body may be offered to a nearby medical school that needs bodies.
(2) The body may be buried or cremated in the usual manner at the expense of the family or estate.
May Emory refuse my body after death? Yes. Emory reserves teh right to decline bodies not suitable for medical study.
Suitability will be determined before the body is transported to Emory. You should have alternate plans for disposition of your body
in the event it is not accepted by the Medical School.
Who should be notified of my death? The physician, hospital, or nearest relative should immediately call the Body Donor Program at Emory University: (404) 727-6242. This number is answered twenty-four hours a day.
May friends and/or relatives make contributions to the Department of Cell Biology in my memory? Yes. Gifts are tax-deductible, should be made payable to Emory University School of Medicine, and be directed to the
Body Donor Program at the address below. Gifts will be acknowledged to the donor and to your family.
Funds from such gifts will be used only for medical education and research.
How may I leave my body to Emory? A simple gift form is required. You must personally sign the
form and return it to Emory at least 90 days before your death.
Expressing your wishes in your will is not sufficient for Emory to
accept your body. Your signature should be witnessed by two
(2) individuals who are not family members. Your nearest
relatives should also personally sign the form. Return one
copy of the form to Emory. When Emory receives the properly
completed form, you will be sent a card identifying you as a
Body Donor. You may obtain the forms by calling
(404) 727-6242,
by email
or by writing:
Emory University School of Medicine
Body Donor Program
Department of Cell Biology
1648 Pierce Drive
Atlanta, GA 30322-3030
