At the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) anatomy lab, a sign at the entrance reads as a reminder, “Mortui Vivos Docent,” or “the dead teach the living.” Students, faculty members and families honored those who have donated their bodies to the Willed Body Program with a memorial service at Resthaven Memorial Park on Memorial Day.

Willed body programs impact health care professional students in many ways.

They are called by many the first patient or first teacher. Most students agree choosing to donate your body for medical education and research is one of the most generous contributions given to TTUHSC.