LUCOM holds Donor Memorial Ceremony to thank families for their loved one’s gift toward training future physicians

In their second year at the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), student-doctors focus on the intricate design of the human anatomy made possible by those who have donated their bodies to ensure the excellence of medical education and the advancement of medical science. In recognition of this generosity, LUCOM held its annual Donor Memorial Ceremony on Aug. 16 in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall, where staff and students honored the donors and publicly thanked their families and friends, many of whom were in attendance.

“The Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine recognizes that the bodies we have received from the families are precious,” said Dr. Michael W. Neville, LUCOM assistant dean of admissions and student life. “These people were known by God before they were formed in their mothers’ wombs. They were imago dei, made in His image. Those precepts guide all of us as we study and learn from them.”

“Your beloved family member has made a tremendous difference in the medical education and lifelong learning of our student-doctors here at LUCOM,” he continued. “As you hear from today’s speakers, I hope that you will not only find comfort and be uplifted from what they say, but that you will also be able to leave proudly with a greater appreciation for the ongoing blessing bestowed upon our student doctors by the gift they have received.”

Dr. Timothy O. Leonard, chair for LUCOM’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Science, echoed his sentiments.

“(These) 26 men and women gave a gift that they could only give in their death, and this gift has impacted the lives of future osteopathic physicians in the Class of 2027 who will, in turn, impact the lives of thousands of future patients … throughout the United States and around the world. … In this time of remembrance, I also want to celebrate what really is an infinitely greater gift. In His death, Jesus gave His life not just so others’ lives would be improved, but so that others could have true, abundant, and eternal life to be in the presence of the God who loves and made them.”

Dr. Stany Lobo, chair of anatomical science for LUCOM, said the donors facilitate a medical student’s “first exposure to the complexity of the human body.”

“Dissection of a donor is an essential technique to build up essential anatomical concepts,” he explained. “Our student-doctors are instructed to give (donors) respect, regarding them as their first patient from whom they learn the wonders of our Creator’s design. As the chair of anatomy, I speak for anatomy faculty, staff, and students in expressing our gratitude for the generosity of your loved ones. We truly appreciate your time and energy in coming here to honor their gift to us.”

To conclude the ceremony, three LUCOM students reflected and shared their thankfulness for the donors and their families.

Following the ceremony, the families were invited to visit the Center for Medical and Health Sciences, home of LUCOM, to tour the facilities and meet faculty and students.