Each year, the second year medical students organize a Service of Gratitude to honor the donors of the past year and show their appreciation to the families of the donors. Over 500 family members, friends, faculty, and students attend this annual service of appreciation. The service generally includes a secular vigil and dedication ceremony, speakers from the medical school, and informal opportunities for families of donors to speak with medical students. Families of donors who have died in the year prior to the service of gratitude are invited to attend, however all families and friends of individuals who have donated themselves to the program are warmly welcomed to participate each year.

It is not uncommon for the students to write notes and poems of appreciation in honor of the once-living individuals who have enabled the students to learn about anatomy and had a powerful impact on their lives. As the anatomy course concludes, students often leave flowers and other tokens of appreciation with the donors, symbolizing their deep gratitude for the invaluable contribution to their education.

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