The gift remembered: The Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) Anatomical Donor Stewardship's ethical and practical handbook for anatomy donor tributes

Why clinicians should know about it

• Picked for Embryology (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).

Abstract

Providing students with a way to honor human body donors during or after an anatomy course has been shown to help provide a sense of closure and comfort to students and, when present, donor families. Gestures of gratitude for donors can also emphasize humanistic values of respect, empathy, and professionalism. These tributes can take the form of a ceremony; class activities such as a moment of silence or reflection assignment; the display of a memorial plaque, website, plant, or garden; or other similar gestures. While hosting memorial ceremonies for donors has become common practice for many body donation programs and larger medical institutions, many institutions still do not hold ceremonies because faculty do not know where to start, are deterred by the increased workload, or for other personal or administrative reasons. This handbook was created by members of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) Anatomical Donor Stewardship (ADS) Ethics Subcommittee to provide guidance to anatomy educators and staff who are developing inaugural ceremonies or memorials, or who are seeking new ideas to enhance their established event or memorial.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.