Anatomical Gift Program
"Mortui Vivos Docent"
We sincerely appreciate your interest in Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Anatomical Gift Program. As an anatomical donor, you are educating future professionals by providing them with a basis of knowledge, skills, and compassion that they will utilize throughout their careers in the healthcare profession. As a charter member of the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is one of a few programs in Illinois approved to accept the donation of individuals for anatomical research.
By becoming an anatomical donor, you are providing a great advantage to the education and training of future healthcare professionals who in turn have the potential to touch many lives throughout their careers. To develop a better understanding of the donation process, please review our FAQ, which address common questions and concerns regarding the donation process. If you would like to become a donor or if you are considering the donation of a loved one, please review the Anatomical Gift Form. While each situation is unique, the hope is that this information will provide you with a better understanding of the anatomical donation process.
Criteria for donations
- There is no maximum age, but donations under the age of 21 are accepted only under special circumstances.
- Maximum body size is 6' 0" tall and 20" elbow to elbow.
- Maximum weight is 200 pounds.
- Bodies that have been autopsied or used for organ donations (other than corneas) are not accepted
- Individuals with any conditions that would put students at risk, including the following, are not acceptable donors: AIDS/HIV, bacterial sepsis, Hepatitis B or C, Herpes II, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, meningitis, Paget's disease, staphylococcus (MRSA), tuberculosis.
- Time between death and donation may be a factor.
Please note that SIU School of Medicine does not allow pre-registration as determination of eligibility is made after death.
Request additional information
Information for funeral directors
Funeral directors who are assisting families with at-need donations and/or need information on what is necessary for a donation to occur, please reference the Procedures for Funeral Directors document for details and directions concerning the donation process. If further clarification is needed, please call 618-453-8438 or email anatomicalgift@siumed.edu
SIU School of Medicine reserves the right to deny a donation for any purpose.
Links to forms:
Disposition of cremated remains form