Learning Opportunities

A lasting gift to medical science and teaching

We are appreciative of those who gave of themselves so that future generations may live healthier, happier lives.

An essential part of our curriculum

The main use of the donated human remains is in the teaching of human anatomy to health professional students, an essential part of their curriculum. The remains may also be used for research purposes.

Teaching and research procedures

We've been authorized to accept the donation of human remains from the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. We carefully follow the legislation outlined in the anatomy acts and the human tissue gift acts of those provinces. These regulations allow us to carry out a number of teaching and research procedures:

Medical photographs

Medical photographs may be taken, but only with pre-approval from the department head. The photographs will be used only for medical education or research purposes. The deceased's name will not be revealed.

Genetic information

Samples of blood or tissues may be taken for genetic testing, such as an examination of chromosomes or DNA, or biochemical study.

Removal, retention or disposition of tissue or organ samples

Tissue and organ samples are normally removed from the body and examined. They may be treated by special fixative or preservative solutions and kept for a period of time so as to obtain as much educational value and research-related information as possible until the respectful disposition of the samples by the university. Organs temporarily removed for anatomical examination are returned to the body.