Dissection of the
human body in medical schools constitutes an invaluable and indispensable
part of medical education and the advancement of medical knowledge.
 Each
year, numbers of bodies are needed for the teaching of medical and
dental students, postgraduate physicians, nurses, physiotherapists,
occupational therapists, and students of related
disciplines. The principal source of bodies is private donation.
 If
you are interested in receiving more information about the Anatomical
Gifts Program at Tufts University School of Medicine, please contact
Sharon Titus
Sharon
Titus
Coordinator of Anatomical Gifts
Tufts University Schools of Medicine
Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology
136 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02111
617-636-0837 (Phone)
617-636-6536 (Fax)
sharon.titus@tufts.edu
How
To Donate
In Massachusetts,
by law, an individual may arrange for the donation of his or her
body after death, only by executing the Instrument of Anatomical
Gift. This instrument, to be valid, must also be signed by two witnesses.
A copy of this instrument should be sent to the school designated
on the form. It is not sufficient merely to indicate intent on a
donor card or driver's license. Massachusetts law prohibits payment
for a body donation.
To obtain the
Instrument of Anatomical Gift Form, please contact Sharon
Titus
WHO
MAY DONATE
Any competent
person over 18 years of age can arrange to donate his or her body
for medical education and research. (Chapters 353 and 653 of the
General laws of Massachusetts)
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR BODY DONATION
If you are interested
in donating your body to Tufts University School of Medicine or
obtaining more information about the Anatomical Gifts Program, please
contact Sharon Titus
PROCEDURES
TO FOLLOW AT THE TIME OF DEATH
The Donor can
not be a known carrier of certain INFECTIOUS/CONTAGIOUS
Diseases at death.
No EMBALMING
should be done.
If Donor is
also an EYE DONOR, immediately call the New England Eye Bank at
617-523-3937.
At the time
of death of a donor, the person responsible for making final arrangements
should call the designated school to determine if the medical school
can accept the donation. If the gift is accepted, transportation
of the body should be arranged either with the school or a funeral
director. If a funeral director is transporting the body, the school
should be called for instructions. Alternative arrangements should
be made in the event that the gift can not be accepted.
The body must
be delivered to the designated school WITHIN 24 HOURS after death,
unless other arrangements are made with the specific school.
THE MEDICAL
SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DECLINE ANY PARTICULAR GIFT.
WHAT
BECOMES OF THE REMAINS
In one to two
years, when studies are complete, the school will comply withe the
donor's instructions regarding disposition of the body as elected
on the Instrument of Anatomical Gift.
The options
available at the present time are:
1) Release remains
to executor or next-of-kin for private burial at the expense of
the estate.
2) Cremate remains
at the expense of Tufts University and release cremains to the next-of-kin.
WHEN
A DONATION CAN NOT BE ACCEPTED:
A Donor can not
be a known carrier of certain INFECTIOUS/CONTAGIOUS
Diseases
A body should
not be EMBALMED.
Bodies that
are EXTREMELY OBESE OR EMACIATED are also unlikely to be accepted.
Tufts University
Schools of Medicine upholds the right to decline any donation. Alternative
arrangements should be made in the event that the gift can not be
accepted.
EXPENSE
The costs of
obtaining the Burial/Removal Permit and a certified copy of the
Death Certificate and of transportation from the place of death
in Massachusetts to the designated school will be paid by the medical
school. The funeral director will be reimbursed by the medical school
only for the costs of these services. If death occurs outside Massachusetts,
the school will bear the cost of that portion of transportation
which is within the Commonwealth.
EDUCATIONAL
MISSION
To prepare medical,
dental and other health professional students to be competent and
compassionate guardians of the individuals entrusted to their care.
Human anatomical dissection is a vital and essential part of this
process.
*
INFECTIOUS/CONTAGIOUS DISEASES which disqualify an individual from
donating:
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
- Similar Conditions
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Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology
136 Harrison Avenue, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
617-636-6685
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page last modified 2/12/07 |
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