Each year, hundreds of student doctors and other healthcare disciplines benefit from the incredible generosity of those who donate their bodies to the University for teaching and research. And every Spring, we come together for a Service of Thanksgiving to remember and honour these donors and their impact on our students’ learning experience.
Teaching sessions at the University’s Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) are always amongst our students’ favourites and a huge part of this is the opportunity to learn anatomy in hands-on practical sessions made possible by these generous donations. Year Two Student Doctor Ghislaine Mbolo was invited to be a part of this year’s Service of Thanksgiving thanand shares with us what the day meant to her.
It was an honour to be invited to attend the Thanksgiving Service and I am incredibly grateful to the HARC team for the opportunity to represent the student body on a day that holds such significance in the HARC calendar. It gave me an opportunity to pause and reflect on the generosity of our donors and the privilege we have at the University of Liverpool to learn alongside our silent teachers.
Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, addresses the congregation.
I must commend the HARC team for a beautiful day and deeply moving celebration. The atmosphere was one of warmth and gratitude. We heard stories from family members about their loved ones and saw beautiful pictures whilst gentle piano music played. The moment brought to light and honoured the people behind the photographs and stories.
What stood out the most to me was speaking to the families and hearing about our donors. Hearing them speak with such positivity about the lives their loved ones lived as well as the donation process was deeply moving.
I was reminded of why I chose to study medicine, the love and humanity in that room reaffirmed by decision.
HARC is one of my favourite classes in medical school. Learning anatomy alongside human donors is a real privilege. The HARC team make anatomy lab fun, interactive and intellectually stimulating. My friends and I enjoy quizzing each other on the different structures and having demonstrators there to guide us through the process makes the experience so much better, as we always have the support we need to improve our understanding.
Students speak during the service. (L-R) Ella Guice (Physiotherapy), Ghislaine Mbolo (Medicine), Issie Leighton (Anatomy and Human Biology), Antony Ryan (Medicine).
HARC has undoubtedly made me into a more competent and compassionate student doctor. Studying anatomy for the past two years has given me hands-on experience of the complexity of the human body. This has improved my anatomical and clinical understanding, putting me in good stead for my clinical years. Additionally, HARC has taught me the importance of respect, empathy, gratitude and selfless giving.
To student doctors in the pre-clinical years I would say, enjoy and appreciate every moment you get to spend in HARC.
Every session is a privilege, and a chance to learn, not just about anatomy, but about humanity and empathy.
Understand the weight of the gift we have been given. Our donors were individuals like me and you, who so generously gifted themselves to further medical education. Not everyone will get to experience the weight of that gift, but we get to, every time we step foot in the lab. Remember and honour that gift. Finally, use your time with our silent teachers wisely, it does not last forever!
Lecturer and HARC Lead for Medicine Dr Neil Thomas says, "The Service of Thanksgiving brings the families of our donors together as a community to celebrate their loved ones. They share stories of kindness, courage, pride, curiosity and love. For many, the highlight of the day is meeting student doctors, hearing the impact and depth of appreciation of the opportunities their relatives have provided. We were fortunate to hear from a range of wonderful speakers this year. All were excellent ambassadors for the University and their testimonies meant a great deal to the families present."
Discover more
- Head to our MBChB course to learn more about anatomy teaching at Liverpool School of Medicine and other exciting elements of our student learning experience.
- Go to Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) to read more about body donation and its contributions to teaching and research at the University.