The complete education of future healthcare providers can only be achieved by the dignified and appropriate use of deceased human bodies. The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Vermont College of Medicine has established a whole-body donation program to allow medical students, health professionals, and clinical specialists to study the structure of the human body, conduct anatomical reviews, and develop new clinical procedures.

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, adopted by the Vermont State Legislature in 1970, permits people at least 18 years of age to legally donate their remains to medical institutions for the advancement of medical science.

Acceptability
Many potential donors are concerned that certain physical characteristics (such as surgically removed organs or parts) will interfere with their acceptance in our whole-body program.  Most bequests are acceptable, although we cannot accept a donation if (1) organs have been removed after death (except eye removal for corneal transplantation prior to arrival); (2) an autopsy or recent surgery has been performed; (3) a body has been severely damaged due to physical trauma or has multiple amputations; (4) there is a history of a serious communicable disease, including (but not limited to) HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, meningitis, tuberculosis, or antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (for the safety of our personnel and students); (5) sepsis/infection is present and the microorganism has not been identified; or (6) more than 48-60 hours have elapsed from time of death to arrival at our facility. Should a donation not be acceptable, the donor's executor or family will need to facilitate alternate arrangements.

In rare instances, a received donation will be deemed unsuitable for adequate anatomical preservation or study. Factors contributing to such cases could include the presence of decayed tissue, open or recent wounds, an abundance of fatty tissue, extensive crippling deformities, or the unlikely event that our facility has reached full capacity. In such cases the University will arrange for cremation as soon as possible, with the ashes being returned to the designated recipient.

Financial responsibilities
The College of Medicine assumes the cost of transportation and related fees to our facility within the State of Vermont and within a 50 mile radius of Burlington within New York State. The cost of transportation from out of state to the Vermont border or beyond a 50 mile radius of Burlington within New York State will be the responsibility of the donor’s estate or other designee.  The University bears the considerable expense of this program as part of its teaching and research responsibilities.

Although transportation costs as noted will be the responsibility of the College of Medicine, all arrangements are the responsibility of the donor or his/her executor.  We also assume all responsibility for cremation of the remains following completion of the studies and return of the ashes to a designated recipient, if desired.

At time of death
The transporter who will be bringing the deceased to UVM should contact this department at (802) 656-2230 to confirm acceptability of the donation and to arrange an arrival time.  If the donor has not made prior arrangements, the family or executor must do so. The Burial Transit Permit and a copy of the Death Certificate or Preliminary Report of Death - showing cause(s) of death, other significant conditions and a physician's signature - must arrive with the body. A Transportation Protocol Sheet providing more detailed information is available from this office upon request.

Final disposition
Following the completion of our studies that may be approximately 2 to 3 years, the remains will be cremated.  Two options for final disposition of the ashes are available:

To register with our program
Those wishing to register as a whole-body donor should complete the Anatomical Gift Donor Card.  After completion, please forward the form to the address indicated.  If you prefer, you can contact Lynn Bateman (802-656-2230 or Lynn.Bateman@uvm.edu) to request registration materials.  It is encouraged  that all paperwork be completed and on file in our office to facilitate acceptance of a donation.  We advise prospective donors to discuss their decision with appropriate family members/executors.