Students who are training in the healthcare professions must have a thorough understanding of the 
human body. Donation of an individual's remains to a medical school enables students to learn human anatomy from the best of all teachers... the body itself.
Below are questions asked most frequently by those considering giving their bodies to the medical school.
Will my body be used for research as well as teaching?
No. The Anatomical Donation Program at Mercer University School of Medicine utilizes all donated human remains exclusively for teaching, training and instructional purposes. The majority of bodies are used for the teaching of anatomy (body structure) to MUSM medical students. Other bodies are used by surgery interns and residents at the Medical Center of Central Georgia, our affiliate hospital, to review anatomy during their specialty training. A few bodies are used by physicians to solve problems or to develop new medical or surgical procedures.
Will it cost me anything?
Possibly. If you are within 50 miles of Macon at the time of your death, the costs for transportation, embalming and cremation will be covered by Mercer. If you are outside that perimeter, you need to consult with your local funeral home to determine your cost for transportation to MUSM’s contracted funeral home. Even then, though, embalming and cremation will be paid by Mercer.
May my family have a memorial service for me if I donate my body to Mercer University?
Yes. With proper coordination the family may arrange such a service. However, we ask that your family notify the Director of the Anatomic Donor Program (478-301-2433) of this prior to embalming.
As a registered Donor, if I want a memorial service, must that be arranged with Mercer University – School of Medicine, Anatomic Donor Program?
No. You may make arrangements (at your expense) for a memorial service with anyone you choose. Mercer University School of Medicine, Anatomic Donor Program will provide embalming and cremation (at Mercer's expense).
How may my family obtain the death certificate?
Your family may obtain the death certificate from our contracted funeral home that does the embalming.
Should anyone else know about my decision to donate?
Yes. Several members of your family and your doctor should be aware of your decision to donate your remains.
Will my remains be returned from the School of Medicine?
Possibly. All of the donations used at Mercer are cremated following their use. This may be up to 24 months after death. The ashes can be returned to donor's family, or, if the donor wishes, they can be interred in Decatur, Georgia, at a plot utilized by Mercer and other medical schools.
Do I need to have a "Will" to donate my remains?
No. Anatomical donations to Mercer occur by direct enrollment with us. Your information packet contains all of the necessary forms.
Can I donate my organs to other agencies before I donate my body?
No... with one exception. You may donate your eyes to some organization other than Mercer.
Can anything prevent my donation?
Yes. Certain diseases or infections during your lifetime can prevent your donation. There are even certain height and weight restrictions. Information regarding these restrictions is contained in the Physician Information Packet. Ask your doctor to help you determine if you are medically suited to be an Anatomical Donor. However, even enrolled individuals are sometimes turned away for various reasons (see the Physician Information Packet). Consequently, we require that you submit an "Alternative to Anatomical Donation" form in case your desire to donate is not a possibility when the time comes.
Can my family donate my remains without my consent?
No. Individuals must enroll themselves at least 90 days prior to death. The bequeathal form must be signed by the donor and witnessed by a Notary Public.
Who should be notified of my death?
During regular business hours the physician, hospital or nearest relative should immediately call the Anatomical Donation Program at Mercer University: (478) 301-2433. After hours and on weekends please call the Mercer University Police: (478) 301-2970.
May friends and/or relatives make contributions to Mercer University School of Medicine in my memory?
Yes. Gifts are tax-deductible, should be made payable to the Anatomical Donation Memorial Fund, and be directed to the Anatomical Donation Program at the address below. Alternatively, gifts may be made through the Mercer University Website via the Alumni/Giving menu. When using the latter option please direct your gift to the Anatomical Donation Memorial Fund using the "Other" option and be sure to designate "In memory of (donor's name)" in the Comments section. Gifts will be acknowledged to the donor and to your family. Funds from such gifts will be used only for medical education.
How may I leave my body to Mercer University?
You may download and complete the necessary forms (
ADP Donor Packet) and the Physician Information Forms ( Physician Information Packet) or by calling (478) 301-2433, by sending your completed forms to the address below:
Anatomical Donation Program
c/o Division of Basic Medical Sciences
Mercer University School of Medicine
1550 College Street
Macon GA 31207
