At the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, we are grateful for the generous body donations that we receive each year. They help provide our medical students with a fundamental knowledge of anatomy, upon which all medical learning and research is built.
The Future of Medicine
Whole body donations are critically needed to educate future physicians about the complexity of human anatomy; to develop and perfect innovative surgical techniques; and to research diseases and disorders. Every donation is a lasting and valuable contribution to the education of health professionals as well as a legacy of service to humanity.
Who can donate?
Any individual of sound mind over the age of 18 may donate his or her body by completing our donor forms. After death, the next-of-kin or executor can fill out the remaining donor forms. To learn more about the program, please refer to our Body Donation brochure. (Both the Body Donation brochure and donor forms are available in Spanish.)
Does the school offer payment for body donation?
We do not offer payment. We assume responsibility for all appropriate administrative and filing fees, as well as the cost of transporting the remains to the school, up to a distance of 20 miles. There will be an additional charge to be determined for mileage outside of the 20-mile radius.
What happens at the time of death?
If death occurs during the time of our office hours (Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm), the next-of-kin, hospital staff, or executor should immediately contact the Body Donation Program at 212-241-7276. Should death occur on a holiday, a weekend, or during evening hours, please page the Anatomical Gift Program Coordinators at 917-641-0063 or 917-641-0094, remembering to leave a return phone number. Our program coordinators will make the necessary arrangements to transport the body to the school.
What occurs after study of the body is complete?
When we have completed our studies, typically 16 – 18 months after donation, we arrange for cremation in accordance with the donor’s wishes. Two options are available: we can return the ashes to the family or other designated individual, or we can assume responsibility for disposition and inter the ashes at the Brick Church Cemetery in Spring Valley, NY.
“Thank you for … helping me with my future anatomical donation plans. Your detailed guidance and specific directions were extremely helpful and make me substantially reassured that all will go well.”
Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology
The Body Donation Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is directed by the Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology.
