"Compassion Begins With the Cadavers" - Lindsay Kalter
Spurred in part by high funeral costs, greater social awareness, and dwindling observance of religious customs, whole body donation is on the rise across much of the United States. Several medical schools including the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, have seen significant growth over the last several years. “It’s something that’s become much more socially acceptable,” said Jeffrey Laitman, PhD, director of anatomy and functional morphology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “So the donation of the body isn’t just for someone who’s poor of indigent. It’s seen as a socially important thing to give.” Anyone can sign up to be a body donor – all it takes is registering with a national or state agency or medical school. Those that are accepted become integral to each student’s learning experience.
— Jeffrey T. Laitman, PhD, Director, Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai