Body Donation
Anatomical donation, donating your body to medical science after death, is an invaluable component of the education, training and research at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg). With this act of generosity, donors facilitate the development of skills and expertise that will ultimately contribute to the advancement of science and medicine. Donations also help students develop a sensitivity and understanding that will better position them to treat the human spirit and alleviate suffering.
How to Donate
Anatomical donations to Northwestern University and Feinberg are arranged by the Anatomical Gift Association (AGA) of Illinois. The AGA has been formally charged with the procurement, preparation and distribution of bodies donated for medical study on behalf of all medical schools in Illinois. The first priority of the AGA is to provide remains for the anatomical education of medical and dental students and students in allied health programs. Remains also are provided for training on new surgical procedures.
For more information on the AGA and the donation process, visit the AGA's website. Contact them at 312-733-5283 or via email at info@agaillinois.org.
Student Reflections
At the conclusion of Anatomy lab, Feinberg medical students pay tribute to those donors who generously enabled their study of human anatomy. The Anatomy Closing Ceremony celebrates those who donated their bodies to Feinberg through students' prose and music.
Brain Endowment at Feinberg
FAQ
Why should I consider donating my body to medical education?
Despite the advancement of technology and its increasing presence in the classroom, as of yet, nothing can truly replace the human body as a teaching tool. Students and physicians are always mindful of and grateful for body donations and acknowledge them as a lasting contribution to their education.
I wish to donate my body to Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; how may I do this?
Please visit the AGA website and follow their instructions for body donation. You may designate Northwestern University as the recipient institution; the AGA will make every effort to honor your request.
I wish to donate a specific organ to Northwestern University; how may I do this?
At this time, the AGA only accepts whole-body donations. Please visit the AGA's Media Contacts page to see a list of organizations accepting tissue and organ donations (e.g., brain donation, lung donation) for research and education.
What is the procedure at the time of death of the donor?
The Donation Process page of the AGA's website provides detailed instructions on the procedure.
Is there a cost associated with body donation?
The AGA does not charge for its services. The only cost of donation is the expense of transporting the remains from the place of death to the AGA as set and determined by the funeral director of your choosing. In general, the donor avoids the costs of a funeral by donating their body to the AGA.
What assurances do families have regarding the treatment of the remains?
Medical personnel have dedicated their lives to caring for and treating people. Their respect for life continues, and even grows, when entrusted with the remains of those that have provided such an important gift to science. It is their duty and honor to carry out the wishes of the donor and their family.