Mom, begins assisting training of medical professionals The State of Indiana Anatomical Education Program was created in 1903 to ensure the quality of education for medical, dental, and allied health students. The program has experienced a number of improvements over the last one hundred years, and we are proud to introduce to you the Direct Donor Program. Teaching and research programs at the Indiana University Schools of Medicine and Dentistry rely on body donations to teach physicians, dentists, physical therapists, nurses and other allied health professionals. Those who decide to bequeath bodies to the health sciences make a significant contribution that benefits the quality of life and care of the living. There are several elements to our program to ensure that the bodies are treated with respect and dignity. During the first day of medical or dental anatomy, the course directors instruct their students that the bodies they use in lab have been bequeathed for use in its teaching and research programs, and that those who made this selfless decision intended to make a significant contribution to their medical education. We make the point that these were individuals, with families of their own who loved them. The directors also discuss the process of how donations are made and what happens to the bodies once the course is completed, including mention of the Memorial Service. Many of the students respond by treating the body as their first patient, adopting a doctor-patient attitude. We emphasize the importance of proper care and respect for the bodies and student responsibility for maintaining proper professional conduct in this regard. We make a special point to instruct them on the proper handling and disposal of dissected tissues. Tissues from each cadaver must remain with that same cadaver, and all cadavers are cremated individually. The Memorial Service held each October for the families of donors is sponsored by the Anatomical Education Program and the Department of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education at Clarian Health Partners. It is a well attended service and much appreciated by family members. Some of the most meaningful comments come from student representatives (medical, dental and physical therapy students) who share their reflections on what this experience meant to them and their professional development as future health care providers.