How to Donate Your Body to Science in New York State
Modern medicine has changed greatly, but no better way yet exists to learn about the human body than to study and dissect a body. Giving your body to science helps medical students get the knowledge they need to become doctors. New York State residents can choose from 12 donation programs located in Rochester, Buffalo, Ithaca, Albany and the greater New York City area. Make arrangements to donate your body before you die.
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Instructions
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Review the list of medical schools that accept donations of bodies. Options include Albany Medical College, Columbia Medical College, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and four campuses of the State University of New York (or SUNY). Choose a medical center from this list before continuing.
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Contact the medical school directly or email or call the Associated Medical Schools of New York using the contact information provided on their website. Let the school know that you're interested in donating your body to science.
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Obtain a consent form from the university. For example, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University has an online consent form available for download. They also include a cremation form for when they're through using your body and a questionnaire. Both Yeshiva University and SUNY Stony Brook cremate bodies when they're finished with them, typically after one to two years.
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Read and complete the form and other related paperwork, then return it to the school using the return information provided on your form. Keep one copy of all paperwork for your own records and one for your next of kin or attorney.
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Insert language into your will specifying that your body is to be given to science. This prevents relatives from contesting your decision later.
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Inform your loved ones that you've chosen to donate your body to science. Show them the paperwork and tell them what they need to do upon your death. For example, SUNY Stony Brook provides for transportation of bodies on Long Island, but your family must notify the school's Anatomical Program once you die. If you donate to that school but don't live on Long Island, your family or your estate must provide transportation costs. Albert Einstein College of Medicine provides transit for bodies located within 10 miles of the Bronx.
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Tips & Warnings
In general, you can donate your body to science or you can donate your organs, but you can't do both. SUNY Stony Brook allows you to make arrangements to donate your eyes and your skin.
You must be at least 18 to donate your body.
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