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.
No, it is unlawful to exchange money for anatomical donations.
You must be 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.
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.
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).
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.
Yes, the donor program may decline donations based on several factors, including but not limited to:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
