School holds annual Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving
On 23 April, the School of Medicine hosted its annual Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration at St Salvator’s Chapel. This event acknowledges the invaluable contributions of individuals who have donated their bodies to the School for medical teaching and research. The ceremony was attended by relatives and friends of donors, as well as University staff and students.
Opening the service, University Chaplain Revd Dr Donald MacEwan gave thanks for the donors, noting that learning from their bodies is a great privilege made possible by the altruism of these “silent teachers.”
Three BSc (Hons) Medicine students then shared their personal reflections on the profound impact of this gift on their education. Third-year student Fergus Jajdelski described donors’ selflessness as “humbling” and their role in medical education as “invaluable.” In particular, he explained, learning from donated bodies enables pupils to develop a holistic understanding of the human body rather than relying on rote memorisation. He described donors as students’ “first patients,” emphasising their importance in teaching students to approach all patient interactions with empathy and respect.
Jimin Lim, third-year student and School of Medicine President, expressed her immeasurable gratitude to the donors. Their positive influence, she explained, will extend beyond herself and her peers to their future patients. First-year student Daniel Hogg echoed these sentiments, expressing deep respect for donors’ generosity.
These reflections were followed by Revd. MacEwan’s sermon, ‘Blessed are the merciful.’ Revd. MacEwan underscored the importance of kindness and compassion in medical practice and the role donors play in cultivating these characteristics in students.
The event concluded with a reception in Lower College Hall, where attendees had the opportunity to meet and share stories, further honoring the legacy of the donors.
If you would like to learn more about the School of Medicine’s Body Donation programme, please email [email protected].