The Class of 2008 at Weill Cornell Medical College held a moving tribute on April 19 in Uris Auditorium for donors who gave their bodies to medical education and science. The 26 donors, identified by their first names only, were remembered through song, poetry, letters, speeches, spiritual offerings, and a flower presentation.
The Anatomy Memorial Service, an annual ceremony that concludes the anatomy component of the "Human Structure and Function" course for first-year students, gave students the opportunity to formally thank their donors for giving of themselves, and to reflect how their donors' final act of selflessness so enhanced their medical education, and, ultimately, how their generosity helped humanity.
Throughout the four-month course, students had experienced a "rite of passage," said the Rev. Curtis Hart, director of pastoral care and education at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, for the experience of caring for a body is a building block in one's career as a healer. "This is both a celebratory and solemn occasion," he said.
Dr. Estomih Mtui delivers the opening remarks at the 2005 Anatomy Memorial Service.
Rabbi Mark Popovsky offers spiritual guidance and prayers in respect to the dead and their generous contributions.
Anthony Rossi, Class of 2008 president, asked the students to think about the year they had and what they learned. Students were then called to the stage to speak of the donors with whom they were matched.
"Charles taught us not only about anatomy, but of teamwork, humility, and generosity," said Ashley Cimino, '08. "Elizabeth was a fundamental part of a friendship among our group and with her," said Ashita Batavia, '08.
First-year medical students (from left) Aaron Nagiel, Rebecca Burton, Adrienne Davis, Anthony Rossi, and Elan Diamond thank donors for their "tremendous sacrifice."
"In death, Janet taught us something about living," said Michael Ford, '08.
"We will always remember you for being our very first patient," said Tanya Hamilton, '08, of their donor, J.W.
Many students drew inspiration from the donors' generosity, caring and commitment to bettering the human condition. "We hope we can do justice to Paul's gift by teaching those who wish to learn and healing those who seek our help," said William Daines, '08. "John J. didn't make the sacrifice for us," echoed classmate Elan Diamond, '08, "but for the people we will eventually treat, and thus for all of humanity."
"We will always remember you for being our very first patient," said Tanya Hamilton, '08, of their donor, J.W.
Many students drew inspiration from the donors' generosity, caring and commitment to bettering the human condition. "We hope we can do justice to Paul's gift by teaching those who wish to learn and healing those who seek our help," said William Daines, '08. "John J. didn't make the sacrifice for us," echoed classmate Elan Diamond, '08, "but for the people we will eventually treat, and thus for all of humanity."
Kenneth Hung, '08, presents flowers in memory of the donors.
"This is always a moving ceremony," noted Dr. Carol Storey-Johnson, senior associate dean for education. She reminded the students that "most of your important teachers will be patients" and thanked the donors and their families in attendance for their open-mindedness and recognition of need. Similar thanks were given by Dr. Bruce Ballard, associate dean for student affairs and equal opportunity programs, Dr. Peter Marzuk, associate dean for curricular affairs, Dr. Thomas Maack, director of the "Human Structure and Function" course, and Dr. Estomih Mtui, director of the program in "Anatomy and Body Visualization."
Photos by Pat Kuharic/Weill Cornell Art & Photo.