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LMU-DCOM Anatomical Donation Program FAQs

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  •   How will my body be used?

    At LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM), most donors are used to teach students in health professional programs about human anatomy. Some donors may also be used for medical training and/or research by students and/or practicing health professionals in our community to train in new techniques. There is a great need for body donations in order to properly train health professionals.

  •   Will my family or I receive any payment for my donation to the program?

    No, it is unlawful to exchange money for anatomical donations.

  •   Are there age limits to be a donor to the program?

    You must be 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.

  •   How far away can I be when I die and still donate my body to LMU?

    The servicing limits for this program are within a 150-mile radius of the LMU-DCOM Anatomical Donation Program sites in Harrogate, TN or Knoxville, TN. Out-of-state donations within this servicing area are acceptable. Donations outside of this area may be declined.

  •   How much will the donation cost me or my family?

    There are no charges to the family for transportation, preparation, and administration of donors accepted into the program at the time of death, as long as the donation is made within our service limit. Families will be responsible for the costs related to the death certificate. The program will arrange for transportation of the body at the time of death and cremation prior to the final disposition. The university will not be financially responsible for any arrangements made outside the guidelines of the program (e.g.: private memorial service, funeral home charges not ordered by LMU-DCOM).

  •   Who should I tell about my wishes to be a donor?

    A copy of your donor form should be given to your executor/personal representative to ensure that your wishes are carried out. It is also advised that you inform close family members of your wishes and who they should contact in the event of death.

  •   If I am on the pre-registered donor list, are there any factors that would disqualify me from donating my remains to the LMU-DCOM Anatomical Donation Program?

    Yes, the donor program may decline donations based on several factors, including but not limited to:

    • The body has been autopsied
    • Extreme obesity/ Emaciation
    • Mutilation of the remains (car accident,)
    • Advanced decomposition
    • Missing limbs or major organs
    • Infectious disease such as: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, MRSA, or SARS-CoV-2
    • Donor facility is at full capacity
    • Any condition of the body that may deem it unacceptable for medical For example, major surgery just prior to death.

    LMU-DCOM reserves the right to decline a donation for any reason deemed necessary.  To avoid stress and confusion in the event the donation is declined, you and yourfamily should discuss alternative final arrangements prior to death.

  •   If I am an organ donor, can I be admitted to the Anatomical Donation Program?

    No, remains are deemed unacceptable for anatomical study after organ donation. However, we support organ donation and encourage you to consider organ donation as a first choice.

    Exception: Eye donation alone does not disqualify someone from the whole-body donation program.

  •   Can a traditional funeral service be held prior to the transfer of the body?

    No, unfortunately, it is not possible to have a funeral or hold a viewing for the donor at the time of death. Some families may hold memorial services for the deceased, while others may plan to have a service later when the cremains are returned.

  •   Can my family contact the school about any medical findings?

    No, we do not perform autopsies, nor can we disclose information about findings during or after the course of study. The mission of this program is to give students a hands-on learning experience in the study of human anatomy and provide continued training to medical professionals.

  •   If I become a donor, how long will you keep my body?

    The time frame we may retain a donor is subject to change. However, studies usually occur up to three (3) years. However, you may elect to allow for longer-term studies to further assist with education.

  •   Can I modify my request or withdraw from the program at any time?

    Yes, simply contact the Anatomical Donation Program and advise us in writing if you wish to be withdrawn from the pre-registered donor list at any time. No questions will be asked.

  •   What happens to my body after the studies are completed?

    Upon completion of the study, your body will be individually cremated in accordance with the law and you may indicate your wishes regarding disposition of your cremains (ashes). Your options include:

    • Having your cremains returned to your designated representative. However, if attempts to contact the designated representative are unsuccessful within 90 days, cremains will be interred in a communal memorial cemetery plot owned by LMU-DCOM.
    • Having your cremains buried in a communal memorial cemetery plot owned by LMU-DCOM.
    • If LMU-DCOM retain tissues and organs of interest for educational and research purposes, the tissues wil not be returned with other cremains.
  •   Can I be recognized by name for my contribution?

    Yes, a donor may give his/her specific consent to be identified and memorialized by name for his/her contribution to LMU. Alternatively, a donor can remain anonymous. Whichever choice is made, LMU-DCOM’s program strives for the highest level of confidentiality and ethical treatment.

  •   Will my family be able to visit the University Memorial Garden and/or cemetery site?

    Yes, information on the location of the University Memorial Garden and communal memorial cemetery plot can be obtained from the program. Additionally, an annual anatomical donor memorial service is held to honor donors and their families. Families of donors are encouraged to attend and will be given advance notification of the time and date of the memorial service.

  •   If I am not a pre-registered donor with LMU-DCOM at the time of death, can I still donate my body, or can my family donate my remains to LMU-DCOM?

    Yes, you can donate your body in a properly executed will, living will, or durable power of attorney for healthcare. Moreover, the following individuals may donate a body in the order of priority listed: a guardian or conservator; an agent; the spouse of the decedent; adult children of the decedent; parents of the decedent adult siblings of the decedent; adult grandchildren of the decedent; grandparents of the decedent, or others who may be authorized by law. The individual may register you at the time of death. However, if there are any objections to the donation by the guardian, conservator, agent, or members of the family, LMU-DCOM will not accept the donation.

  •   May I contact the Anatomical Donation Program with additional questions?

    Absolutely, questions are welcome and contact information is included below:

    Pamela Nelson, Body Donation Coordinator/Administrative Assistant for Anatomy
    Lincoln Memorial University-
    DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Hamilton Math and Science Building, 4th Floor
    6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
    Harrogate, TN 37752
    423.869.6745
    pamela.nelson@LMUnet.edu

  •   What if my donation is declined by the University at the time of death?

    You and your family should discuss alternative final arrangements prior to death. If the donor is not suitable for medical study at the time of death or the Anatomical Donation Program is at capacity, the donation will be declined, and the family will need to have an alternative plan.

  •   How do I update my paperwork in case of a move or telephone change?

    Please contact LMU-DCOM if there are any changes that should be made in the future to the information provided on the required forms:

    Lincoln Memorial University

    DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

    Attention: Anatomical Donation Program

    6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway

    Harrogate, TN 37752

    Phone: 423.869.6745 or 865.585.7428

    After Hours/Weekends: 865.585.7428 or 423.869.6911

    Fax: 423.869.6006

    Email: DCOMADP@LMUnet.edu

  •   What are the procedures at the time of death?
    • An official pronouncement needs to be made. If the donor is not in a hospital or hospice care, then the proper authorities must be contacted.
    • The Decedent’s Power of Attorney for Healthcare, executor/personal representative, health care professional, or family member should notify LMU-DCOM within two (2) hours of a death to arrange transportation of the body to the medical school. Weekday Contact Numbers: 423.869.6745 or 865.585.7428. After hours and Weekend Contact Numbers: 865.585.7428 or 423.869.6911.
    • Once the Anatomical Donation Program has been contacted and the donation accepted, LMU-DCOM will arrange for transport of the deceased to LMU-DCOM.