The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine's (UNR Med) Anatomical Donation Program held its annual memorial service, bringing together first-year medical students, donor families and community members to honor those who made the selfless decision to donate their bodies to medical education. 

The Anatomical Donation Program provides the foundation for anatomy education at UNR Med. Through the generosity of donors, first-year medical students and physician assistant students gain hands-on experience studying human anatomy, an essential part of their medical training. In many ways, these donors act as their first patients, teaching students compassion and deep understanding of humanity.

Anatomy Lab Manager Lindsey Pisani explains the importance of celebrating the life and generosity of the donors.

“I think it's important for the students to be able to celebrate their first patient and the experiences that they had through their first-year of medical school,” Pisani said. “They were with that person for an entire year, which is a definitely formative year for them.” 

As a part of their training, first-year medical students spend a year learning about the human body and dissection in the anatomy lab while working with the same donor throughout that time. Beyond anatomy, the Anatomical Donation Program allows students to incorporate compassion and empathy into their medical training. 

For many students, the relationship with their donor extends beyond the scientific and medical lessons. Working closely with the same donor throughout the year provides a unique perspective on the trust and generosity that make medical education possible.  

Class of 2029 Vice President and first-year medical student, Arion Karimi, attended this year’s memorial service with gratitude and appreciation for the donors and their families.  

“Through their gift, they grounded our learning in humility, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility,” Karimi shared. “Because of their lasting contribution to our growth as future physicians, I am certain that the doctors we become will be more capable, more thoughtful, and better prepared to care for the people we will one day serve.” 

The memorial service serves as an opportunity for students to express their gratitude to the donors and their families. Through speeches, readings, music and personal reflections, students shared how their experiences in the anatomy lab shaped both their education and their understanding of patient care. 

The Anatomical Donation Program not only supports the education of future physicians and physician assistants, but also helps foster respect, empathy and professionalism that are foundational in health care. The annual memorial service ensures that donors are remembered not only for their contribution to science but also for the lives they touched through their final act of generosity. 

Camille Fichera, a Class of 2029 medical student, shared her experience as an attendee.  

“The memorial service is a meaningful close,” Fichera said. “Although we had several chances to thank our donors throughout the year, this was a moment when we could show our appreciation all together. We could meet the family and friends of the people who made the most important contribution to our education.” 

Family members of donors attended the service and had the opportunity to hear directly from students about the impact their loved ones had on their education. The event created a meaningful space for remembrance, gratitude and connection between students and donor families. The Class of 2029 President, Ozzie Tavares, shares how this experience will shape students’ careers in medicine. 

“They allowed us to learn from them in the most complete and humbling way possible,” Tavares said. “In doing so, they passed a torch to us — one that we will carry with deep gratitude, reverence, and responsibility throughout the rest of our medical training and careers.” 

By honoring their donors each year, UNR Med continues to recognize the meaningful role these individuals play in shaping the next generation of health care professionals.