Dr. Estomih Mtui, director of the program in "Anatomy and Body Visualization," delivers the opening remarks at the 2006 Anatomy Memorial Service.
During the Anatomy Memorial Service held April 18 in Uris Auditorium, the 103 students of the Weill Cornell Medical College Class of 2009 gratefully acknowledged the unique gift given by individuals who donated their bodies to the study of medical science. Twenty-six individuals were honored at the ceremony with song, poetry, speeches, spiritual offerings and a flower presentation.
The annual ceremony marks the conclusion of the anatomy component of the "Human Structure and Function" course for first-year students and provides an opportunity for students and faculty alike to formally show their appreciation to the donors and reflect on the profound meaning of a gift that benefits not only students individually, but humanity as a whole.
First-year students Luz Liriano and Ricardo Gomez present flowers in remembrance of their donors.
During introductory remarks, Rabbi Mark Popovsky, coordinator for Jewish chaplaincy at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, said "In Judaism, the highest form of kindness is to take care of a body after death. I believe the reverse is also true. Those who offer their body after death represent the highest form of kindness, one that begins in life and continues after death."
The Rev. Curtis Hart, director of pastoral care and education at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, heralded the selflessness of both the donors and the young medical students.
"We live in a culture tinged by cynicism," Rev. Hart said. "Being virtuous means seeing those whom you serve as fellow pilgrims on this earth to whom you are obligated to provide your services. Virtue enables a love of life. This day is a celebration of the triumph of virtue over cynicism."
The Rev. Curtis Hart discusses the virtue and spiritual aspect of giving.
Following these remarks and a performance of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" performed by Class of 2009 students Tom Neely and Doug Wheeler, each of the 26 groups came forward to eulogize the sacrifice of the donors and remark on their personal experiences.
"What really struck a chord was that even as John was preparing to leave this world, he gave this selfless gift to us," said Brian Gladnick.
"Knowledge is a gift given by those who come before you, and I can think of no greater gift than the gift our donor gave to us," said Andrew Olson.
Several students said that the donors had given them a greater reverence for life and inspired a newfound awe for the human body.
Students Doug Wheeler on guitar and Tom Neely on vocals perform a rendition of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah."
"I actually cried the first time I saw William's body," said Siobhan O'Herron. "First, out of respect for the human body, and second, because I was overwhelmed by all there was to learn."
"We face death and our own mortality, but as the weeks passed it became apparent that our donor Margit was really there to teach us about life," said Maranatha Ayodele. "I am more in awe of life as result of this experience."
After the students' remarks and flower presentation, the student singing group The Aneurhythms sang an a capella version of H.F. Chorley's "The Long Day Closes."
"This is a time when the students begin to see the magic of the patient as teacher," remarked Dr. Carol Storey-Johnson, senior associate dean for education. "There are few gifts as touching and as important to society as the donation of a body. This serves as a reminder that some of our most important teachers will be patients."
First-year students Jerry Chao, Siobhan O'Herron, Allison Schulman and Albert Yeung with a family member of donor William H.
Following Dr. Storey-Johnson's remarks, Dr. Bruce Ballard, associate dean for student affairs and equal opportunity programs; Dr. Peter Marzuk, associate dean for curricular affairs and director of the Office of Curriculum and Education Development; and Dr. Thomas Maack, director of the "Human Structure and Function" course, spoke about the legacy the donors had left for posterity.
During the ceremony, Dr. Estomih Mtui, director of the program in "Anatomy and Body Visualization," recognized family members of three donors who were in attendance at the ceremony. After the speeches had finished, John Whyms, the son of a donor, asked if he could speak.
"I would like to thank the students and staff for all of their sincerity and deepest feelings," Whyms said. "We are sincerely humbled by the students who have come forward to express their feelings."
Photos by Weill Cornell Art & Photo. Last photo by Michael Levasseur.