Students Honor First Patients During Convocation of Thanks
Students Expressed Emotional Gratitude for Those Who Gifted Themselves to the Study of Anatomy
Students in the School of Medicine and School of Health Sciences and Practice honored their first patients during the annual Convocation of Thanks on April 28, when they had the opportunity to express their appreciation to the families of those who had donated their bodies to New York Medical College for anatomical studies. During the touching and heartfelt tributes, first-year medical students and speech-language pathology and physical therapy students used reflection, music, art and poetry to honor those individuals who had made such an impact on both their gross anatomy lab experience and on them as future clinicians.
“It was one of the most life-changing experiences I have had,” said one student. “I was awed at the interconnectedness and the beauty and diversity inherent in the human body. I gained an immense appreciation for what happens under our skin, and I will maintain that appreciation of the human body for my entire career.”
“I am now the recipient of an act of true kindness,” said a student. “How could we have learned so much without the generous act of your loved ones? My donor was a professor in life and through his donation, he was able to continue to teach others even after his death. I know I can never repay them, and I will never forget that.”
“I put my hand on my donor’s left shoulder before making the first cut and asked for forgiveness for the mistakes I would make,” said another student. “As the donor was a priest in life, he was probably very aware of the power of forgiveness. The gift he gave me will travel with me throughout my career. Thank you for these gifts -- I will carry it on.”
“Though my donor’s soul has moved on to the afterlife, she lives on through the impact she provided for our education as future health care professionals,” said a student.
Those gathered in Nevins Auditorium for the ceremony then moved outside for the planting of a memorial tree near Sunshine Cottage in remembrance of the students’ first patients and in gratitude to their families. As the event concluded, students remained on the Sunshine Cottage lawn to speak personally with the families about their experience and learn more about who their donors were in life.
