91AV

It’s not something the general public often thinks about – let alone discusses, but whole body donation – the donation of one’s body to science after death, is a crucial component in the education of tomorrow’s physicians.

The 91AV’s anatomical donor program was the subject of a recent story in the Portland Press Herald. The 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine has the only anatomical donor program in the state of Maine. In addition to being a critical resource for 91AV medical students studying anatomy, the program has also been utilized by students in a variety of health professions programs at 91AV and other schools around the state, as well as health professionals pursuing continuing education as medical procedures change. “As professions continue to advance, they need more intense anatomy training,” 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean Jane Carriero, D.O., said. “Getting it from books doesn’t work.”

The Press Herald also spoke with second year 91AV medical student Sarae Sager (COM, , who spoke at the annual memorial service the university holds for the families of anatomical donors. She said she and her classmates appreciate the donations and become emotionally attached to the cadavers they work with. “It’s really important. The bookwork doesn’t do it justice,” she said. “It gives you further appreciation of how complex the human body really is, and how much we still have to learn about it.”

To learn more about the 91AV’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit

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