Human Body Donor Program

You can support both medical education and research by donating your body to a Medical School.

Many important teaching and research activities at medical schools could not take place without the generous donations of human bodies and tissues. Thus, even after death many individuals have made a very special contribution to the progress of medical science, and to the training of professionals in health related disciplines.

If you are thinking about donating your body to the Faculty of Health Sciences at Queens University, this site outlines the procedures involved. A great deal of coordination is necessary at the time of death, involving many people - the family or executor, clergy, physician, University's Anatomy Department and others. The process can be simplified if your intention to donate your body has been recorded and some simple paper work completed.

Procedures for Donation of a Body

Arrangements to donate may be made in any one or more of the following three methods:

a)  By writing to: Human Body Donation, Dept. Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen`s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6. One copy of the form entitled 'Donation of Body to School of Anatomy' should be completed and returned. Only Part I should be completed to indicate your intention to donate your body. The second copy should be retained for your records and if possible, this information should be accessible to your next-of-kin or executor,

or

b)  you may complete the form provided with your driver's license,

or

c ) you may wish to include a statement like the following in your will to authorize the donation.

Upon my death, I direct that my body, if acceptable and needed for anatomical studies and medical research, be delivered to the Medical School at Queen's University (or to the nearest medical school),

We strongly advise that you discuss your wishes with your next-of-kin, executor, or any other person who is likely to be in charge at the time of your death.

Respect for Donated Bodies

The entire health sciences community at Queen's - professors, students and researchers - is fully aware of the special privilege granted to them by those who donate their bodies. We are most grateful for this generous gift.

In the Faculty of Health Sciences all of us have an obligation to conduct ourselves in a professional manner during courses requiring the use of human bodies. These donated bodies are treated, at all times, with well-deserved respect and dignity.

Arrangements at the Time of Death

The attending physician should contact the Local Inspector of Anatomy of the area or the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences. Administrative Assistant, Jackie Moore at (613) 533-2600.

The Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and/ or the Local Inspector of Anatomy will determine whether the body can be accepted for the purpose of medical education and research. If acceptable, arrangements for transportation are made through a funeral home. Although every effort is made to accommodate the wishes of the donor, IN CERTAIN CIRRCUMSTANCES IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ACCEPT BODIES. Therefore it is important that the donors appreciate that the University must reserve the right to refuse a body. Some of the reasons for refusal are:

a)  More than 48 hours have elapsed since the death.

b)  Death by accident or contagious disease.

c)  Autopsied bodies and those where certain types of recent and/ or major surgical operations have been performed.

d)  If organs (except the eyes), e.g. kidney, heart, etc. have been removed for transplantation or any other reason, from a body after death.

Since there is no guarantee of acceptance, you may wish to make alternate arrangements.

Transportation costs are the responsibility of the estate.

Memorial Services

As the donated body must be sent to a medical school without delay, a memorial service may be arranged without the presence of the body in accordance with the wishes of the donor and/ or the next-of-kin.

University Burial Service

Each year in the spring, the University holds a Burial Service for those whose bodies have been used for medical education and research. The donated bodies are normally used for one to three years and then arrangements are made for cremation and burial in the Queen's University plot at the Cataraqui Cemetery, Kingston. A brief service is conducted by the University Chaplain at this time. It is the practice of the University to invite the next-of-kin to attend this service unless the University has been otherwise advised at the time of death. Each donor's remains are identified and kept separate. Appropriate records are maintained in a Register at the office of the cemetery. All expenses for the cremation and burial are covered by the University. The cremated remains can be returned for private burial at the request of the family and/ or executor.

Anatomical Memorial Trust Fund

The University appreciates financial help towards the costs of the annual burial arrangements and maintenance of the burial site, as well as any donations towards Anatomical education and research. A trust fund has been established at Queen's University to facilitate donations. Cheques should be made payable to Queen's University, Anatomical Memorial Trust Fund and mailed to the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6.   Receipts will be provided for Income Tax purposes.

Further Information

Appropriate bequeathal (donor) forms are available on request. If you have any additional questions or wish clarification on any of the matters related to the procedures for whole body donations at Queen's University, please direct your inquiries to Administrative Assistant, Jackie Moore

Donation of Tissues and Organs

Many individuals wish to donate their kidneys, heart, or other organs and tissues to those in need of transplants. For additional information on tissue and organ donations, please contact:

General Inspector of Anatomy
26 Grenville Street
Toronto, Ontario
M7A2G9

416-314-4000 (collect calls accepted) or 1-877-991-9959 (toll free)