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With educational memorial programs, veterinary students
learn by using donated animal cadavers. |
Educational Memorial Programs (EMPs)—also known as "Willed Body Programs," "Client Donation Programs," and "Body Donation Programs"—have been implemented at a small but growing number of veterinary schools. These programs draw their inspiration from human medical schools where, for more than a century, students have learned anatomy by using donated cadavers.
Only in recent years did veterinary faculty, students, and companion animal owners alike wonder if the human model might work in their area: Would it be possible to donate a pet's body for veterinary training? The question has arisen out of ethical concerns and out of legislative developments. Some states have barred the use of animals from shelters.
Currently, aside from animal shelters, most North American veterinary colleges obtain their cat and dog cadavers from animal dealers (including biological supply companies), breeders (specifically those who breed animals for research or teaching), and the greyhound industry (retired dogs).
But now they're trying to turn their attention to donated cadavers. These animals are, by definition, those who:
- have been euthanized due to medically untreatable illness;
- have been euthanized due to clients' inability to pay for expensive treatments; or
- have died of natural causes.
EMPs offer veterinary colleges an alternative source of cadavers for teaching purposes, and offer animal owners a special opportunity to support the training of future veterinarians.
The following veterinary schools and colleges have implemented EMPs.
- University of California at Davis
- Texas A&M University
- Tufts University
- University of Florida (for large animals only)
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin at Madison
- Western University
What You Can Do
Please send an email to the deans of veterinary schools that serve your region and that currently do not have an Educational Memorial Program (EMP). Ask them to consider implementing an EMP at their school.
Sample Letter to Universities Regarding Educational Memorial Programs
List of Schools with no Educational Memorial Program (includes email addresses for school deans)
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For more information regarding Educational Memorial Programs please visit http://www.educationalmemorial.org/
