University College Cork plans to hold a service later this week in memory of the “public-spirited people” who have donated their bodies for the teaching of anatomy to its medical, dental and science students since 1849.
Each year the university accepts about 20 bodies of people from the Munster region who have indicated prior to their death that they wish to donate their bodies for this purpose. A service organised by the department of anatomy and neuroscience will take place this Thursday.
UCC professor of anatomy John F Cryan said the bequests of such bodies are essential to proper functioning within the medical and other health science schools. “The body donors’ selfless and public-spirited actions benefit the education of approximately 600 students each year. I am delighted to say, representatives of our students that have benefited from this generosity will take an active part in the service and acknowledge the gift they have been given by their “first patients”.
The service will be attended by about 250 people, including many relatives and friends of the deceased, current students, academic, administrative, postgraduate and support staff, senior university representatives, and clergy.
The service will be held in the university’s Honan Chapel.