Washington, D.C.—Georgetown University’s School of Medicine held a special interfaith ceremony to honor the 54 men and women who donated their bodies to medical science during the last two years. The yearly Donor Mass celebrated on Georgetown’s campus, was attended by nearly 150 family members and friends of loved ones who chose to make this unique gift in order to further medical education and scientific discovery.
Georgetown’s ceremony is unique among medical schools. During the memorial, students and faculty offered their sincere gratitude to the family members of the donors. “Your family members are our heroes,” said Michael Conti-Mica (M’12) and president of the class. “They have benefitted us greatly.” Each year, the School of Medicine honors the men and women and their families who “give the greatest gift,” said Father Paul McCarren.
Those who donate their body to science make the decision, while they are still living, for a variety of reasons. “The lasting result provides students with the ability to further medical research,” said Carlos Suarez-Quian, professor and course director of medical gross anatomy. “This is someone’s parent, wife, brother and sister, and in their death they demonstrated unselfish love.”
About Georgetown University Medical Center
Georgetown University Medical Center is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care (through our partnership with MedStar Health). Our mission is carried out with a strong emphasis on public service and a dedication to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis -- or "care of the whole person." The Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and Health Studies, both nationally ranked, the world-renowned Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Biomedical Graduate Research Organization (BGRO), home to 60 percent of the university's sponsored research funding.
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