he Willed Body Program (WBP) is one of many UCSF programs that is committed to excellence in research and education. The study of gross human anatomy is and has long been an essential element in the training of physicians, dentists, physical therapists and other health science professionals. In recent years the demand for the cadaver-based courses in human anatomy has expanded as more and more professional schools list such courses as an admission requirement. The need for human cadavers has also increased as the result of a resurgence in the amount of basic science research and post graduate medical education being done on the human cadaver.

While the primary focus of the Program is to obtain the human cadaver for educational and scientific study, we strive to administer the WBP in a way consistent with the spirit of the good physician. In our contact with donors registering with the WBP or with the families of the donor we provide service that is compassionate as well as competent and legally correct. Many families find that the educational and scientific value of the donation helps them through the bereavement process.

In the text that follows we try to answer some of the most common questions that we are asked.

For further information, or to obtain the appropriate Will forms, please contact:

Willed Body Program
University of California, San Francisco
Department of Anatomy, AC-14
San Francisco, CA 94143-0902
Phone: (415) 476-1981
Fax: (415) 502-1460

Downloadable UCSF Willed Body Program Form

• Why should I consider donating my body to science?
  
• How can I leave my body to medical science?
  
• Does age, disease, or amputation make the donation unacceptable?
  
• What about autopsies?
  
• Who may serve as a witness to my donation?
  
• What expenses are involved upon the death of the donor?
  
• Should the donor inform someone of the bequest?
  
• What is the final disposition following study?
  
• Can I donate someone else's body, such as my wife's or my husband's?
  
• What if the death occurs in another state?
  
• Will any payment be received for the body?
  
• If a bequest is made, and the donor has a change of mind later, can the gift be rescinded?
  
• What is the procedure upon the death of the donor?

 Why should I consider donating my body to science?

This unique and priceless gift of the human body provides the opportunity for knowledge that is the foundation of all medical education and research. Bodies that are donated to medical schools are used to teach medical and other health profession students the relationship between the systems and structure of the human body. In other instances, donated bodies have been used by research physicians in the development of new surgical procedures. In both instances, the need for donations is great, and the gift is valued and honored beyond measure.

 How can I leave my body to medical science?

Upon request, forms authorizing the donation of the body to science will be mailed to you with a return envelope. The completion of these forms does not require the services of a lawyer or a notary. After the returned documents have been reviewed by the Program, you will be sent a letter and a donor identification card.

 Does age, disease, or amputation make the donation unacceptable?

There is no upper age limit for whole body donation, nor does amputation preclude acceptance. Medical conditions that would prevent acceptance as a donor include: Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, hepatitis, HIV, and tuberculosis. Extensive trauma at the time of death, advanced decomposition, or extreme obesity would also make the remains unsuitable for anatomical study.

 What about autopsies?

Information learned from autopsies is sometimes of importance to the donor's physician or family, and in some instances, autopsy is required by law. Although the value for anatomical study of an autopsied body is limited, we will make every effort to accept autopsied bodies of registered donors, subject to meeting the other criteria of program acceptability.

 Who may serve as a witness to my donation?

Anyone 21 years or older, preferably someone expected to be a survivor, may act as a witness. Two witness signatures are required on our donation forms.

 What expenses are involved upon the death of the  donor?

The only cost to the family or estate may be the cost of transporting the deceased to a facility with refrigerated holding facilities (mortuary) if the person dies at home or in a facility that does not have refrigerated holding facilities.

 Should the donor inform someone of the bequest?

Yes. Discuss your plans with those close to you so that your wishes may be clearly understood. If at the time of death the next-of-kin or another close family member expresses regret about the donation, the Program will relinquish all claim to the remains if so requested. It is also advisable for a donor to notify his or her physician and attorney of the arrangements.

 What is the final disposition following study?

After studies are completed the remains are cremated and scattered at sea. Cremated remains are not returned for private disposition, and no notification of final disposition will be sent to the family.

 Can I donate someone else's body, such as my wife's  or my  husband's?

This cannot be done while the donor is living. However, after the individual's death, the nearest living next of kin can donate the body.

 What if the death occurs in another state?

A medical school in the State where death occured may be contacted for donation.

 Will any payment be received for the body?

No payment may be made in connection with a body donation. This policy is in accordance with State laws, and all institutions accepting human remains must comply with it.

 If a bequest is made, and the donor has a change of  mind later, can the gift be rescinded.

Yes, if the request is made in writing by the donor.

 What is the procedure upon the death of the donor?

The next of kin, executor, or hospital personnel would call the Willed Body Program office at (415) 476-1981 and choose option

1.  That number is immediately answered 24 hours a day.