Body Donation Program

The primary function of the Body Donation Program at the University of Calgary is to provide specimens to the undergraduate medical program for the purpose of teaching normal human anatomy.  The majority of our donations are used in this manner.

A second way in which a donation can be utilized is through our medical research program.  Note that this type of research is researcher specific.  By this we mean, that our affiliated researchers DO NOT necessarily study specific pathologies or the causes of death of our donors.  Much of this research is orthopedic in nature.

Generally studies can take anywhere from a few weeks to six years or more.  The length and type of study is dependent on the current needs of our program and the suitability of the donors.  Thus, at the time of arrangements we are unable to predict how long a donation might be used.

Upon completion of study, the University of Calgary will have your body cremated.  The expenses of cremation, interment in the University of Calgary cemetery plot, and transportation of the body to the Faculty of Medicine (to a maximum of $250.00) will be borne by the university.  The executor or the next of kin will be initially notified by mail, at the address provided during arrangements regarding the time and place of interment only if requested at the time of donation.  Relatives who wish to claim the cremated remains for private interment may do so, but in these cases, expenses of interment must be borne by the relatives or the estate of the deceased.

Every two years, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary organizes a graveside commemorative service for the family members and friends of those who have chosen to donate their bodies for medical study.  The location of the burial site for the cremated remains is found just off the north entrance (on 40th Avenue N.W.) to Queen’s Park Cemetery (Office: 3219 – 4th Street N.W. Calgary, AB).

For more information please see: Body Donation Program