Hands

Becoming a donor

The Cumming School of Medicine greatly appreciates the generosity of all those interested in donating their bodies for use in the training activities of current and future medical practitioners. Please note that acceptance decisions can only be made at the time of death, and completion of the registration forms does not guarantee acceptance by the program. All potential donors are encouraged to discuss their end-of-life wishes with their family members and executors. This includes the wish to donate, and alternate plans should the program be unable to accept the donation at the time of your death.

Registering for the Body Donation Program

Please complete the following form and return it to our program via fax or post as part of the registration process.

 

Consent Criteria for Potential Donations

According to current Alberta legislation consent for donation may be provided by the following individuals, in priority order:

  1. Adult deceased person if they legally authorized their donation prior to their death
  2. The executor appointed by the deceased
  3. The spouse or adult interdependent partner of the person if they are not estranged
  4. An adult child of the person
  5. A parent or guardian of the person
  6. An adult sibling of the person
  7. Any other adult next of kin of the person.

In the case consent has not been legally authorized by a potential donor prior to their death adult next-of-kin may provide consent as long as:

  1. A person in a higher priority class is not readily available to provide a consent;
  2. A person in the same class would not refuse to give a consent;
  3. The deceased person would not have refused to give a consent.

 

Registration Form

Exclusion Criteria

While we greatly appreciate the generosity of all those willing to register for the body donation program, similarly to organ donation the eligibility of potential donors is determined at the time of death. To determine and confirm eligibility, a brief questionnaire will be administered when notification of death is provided.

The presence of any of the following criteria would prevent the program from accepting a potential donation.

Exclusion Criteria
xx

xx

Steps for Registration

Familiarize Yourself

Familiarize yourself with our program and ensure you understand the eligibility criteria and expectation of length of stay in the Program. If any questions arise, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

FAQs

Discuss Your Choice

Body Donation affects not only the donor, but those left behind. We highly recommend you discuss your choice with your executor and loved ones. The more they are included in the process, the smoother the transition can be. Ensure they understand program registration is not a guarantee of acceptance, and alternative arrangements may be necessary. 

Complete Program Registration

In order to register in the Program, please fill out and return the registration form. 

In return you will receive two registrants cards which we ask to keep with you, or keep with your care provider.

Keep Current

We understand that life is often hectic, but it is imperative that any changes in address or phone number are kept current so that we may contact you should questions arise.

We also ask that your loved ones maintain up-to-date contact information after your passing so we can inform them of cremation and Memorial Services.