FAQs
- How can I leave my body to medical science?
Forms authorizing the donation of the body can be obtained by calling (858) 534-4536 or writing:
Body Donation Program
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, MC# 0611
San Diego, CA 92093-0611- 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.
- Can I donate someone else's body, such as my wife's or my husband's?
An attorney in fact (person who has legally been given Power of Attorney) for the donor may be able to sign donation papers during the donors life. Alternately, a spouse or registered domestic partner can make a donation after death.
- Should the donor inform someone of the bequest? Is it necessary to include my body donation in my will?
Yes.Your survivor or designated responsible party should be informed of the arrangements you have made. You may also choose to inform your family, doctor and attorney of your wishes. You do not need to include the bequest in your will, as a will may not be read in time for delivery of the body to the university. It is more important to have these instructions readily available on a wallet donation card or donation form and have your survivors be aware of your intentions.
- What arrangement should I make if I am admitted into a hospital, move to a retirement community, a nursing home or any type of care facility prior to my death?
If you are admitted into a hospital, move to a retirement community, a nursing home or any type of care facility, it is recommended that a copy of the dedication form be placed on your chart or care plan. When death occurs, the program should be notified immediately by calling (858) 534-4536. Arrangements will then be made to receive the body into our program.
- 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. However, by donating your body you avoid all funeral or burial costs.
- If a bequest is made, and the donor has a change of mind later, can the gift be rescinded?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? What if I should die on a weekend or holiday?
The next of kin, executor, or hospital personnel should call the Body Donation Program office at (858) 534-4536. This same number should be called on nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Will your department accept my body if I die out-of-state?
No. Because of transportation costs, legal issues, and potential deterioration of the body, donations will only be accepted if death occurs within the County of San Diego.
- What expenses are involved upon the death of the donor?
UCSD will assume all transportation costs to deliver a donor to UCSD. The only cost to the family or the estate is the cost of the Death Certificate.
- Is it possible for an ambulance service or even my family to deliver my body to the Medical School?
No,state law requires both a licensed funeral director and a burial transit permit to accompany the donor when delivery occurs at the Medical School. This service is provided by UCSD. All donors are transported in a professional, ethical manner in vehicles equipped with proper mortuary transportation systems.
- Are there any conditions which would invalidate my donation?
Emaciation or obesity, or a history of contagious diseases (hepatitis, AIDS,Jacob-Kreutzfeld, tuberculosis, MRSA, VRE, etc.) are the major reasons we cannot accept a donor. It should be understood that determination of the acceptability of a body for donation can only be made at the time of death, since the cause of death may render the donation unusable for study. To avoid undue grief and disappointment to members of your family, they should be made aware of these conditions.
- Can a person be too old to donate his or her body?
No. Age is not a consideration in body donation. Only the conditions described above may make a donation unacceptable.
- Will my body be used for teaching or research?
Most bodies are used to teach medical and dental students, and in physician continuing education programs. A small number of bodies are used to teach students in allied health fields such as nursing and physical therapy. Some bodies are used for research, by surgeons to study new operative techniques.
- What is meant on the donation form by "permanent preservation" of an organ or part for teaching purposes?
An organ or part from a body may be so unusual (such as an abnormally developed, or diseased organ or part), or so useful for teaching purposes that it is desirable to preserve it so that more than one group of students may study it. Such an organ can be "plastinated" so that it may be used over and over without deterioration.
- Will my family receive a report of your findings?
No.We do not conduct autopsies and no reports are prepared. Bodies are used anonymously in medical education and research and no record of pathological findings is kept by students.
- What about autopsies before donation?
Autopsied bodies are not accepted because the value for anatomical study of an autopsied body is limited.
- What is the final disposition following study?
After studies are completed - generally a period of one to three years - the remains are cremated. Cremains are scattered at sea. Cremains are not returned for private disposition, and no notification of final disposition will be sent to the family.
- Is there a memorial service for the donors?
Yes. Medical Students at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine conduct an annual memorial service commemorating donors.
