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Body Bequests
The Department relies on the altruistic action of the public to maintain its teaching of, and research into, human anatomy. The Department currently accepts bequests only from people living in the Otago, Invercargill, Canterbury and Nelson/Marlborough regions.

The chief value of bequests is for teaching anatomy to health science students, including medical, dental and physiotherapy students. Acquiring a sound knowledge of the structure of the human body is possible only if students of anatomy have access to human bodies for careful dissection and study.

In recent times, the Department has increasingly undertaken research projects using donated bodies.

The Department has three Licensed Anatomists; Professor Mark Stringer is the Licensed Anatomist who oversees the administration of the body bequest programme. Ms Kathryn McClea deals with all correspondence relating to body bequests.

Each year the Department holds a Thanksgiving Service to honour and remember the altruistic actions of those who donate their bodies to the bequest programme. The services alternate between Dunedin and Christchurch. For more information please contact the Bequest Administrator on 0800 580 500.
Thanksgiving Service 2009
Thanksgiving Service 2008
Thanksgiving Service 2007
Further Information
Contact Us
History of Bequests

Departmental Seminar


Tuesday 28 May 2013
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: D’Ath Lecture Theatre, First Floor, Hercus Building

Dr Justin Keogh Bond University Gold Coast, Queensland
" Weight loss in older adults benefits of exercise"

Dr Keogh's research focuses on understanding the acute stresses, and the chronic adaptations resulting from a range of physical activities. His research focuses on athletic populations and older adults, where both general and specific therapeutic physical activity may have differing effects and various motives and barriers to continual participation.


Upcoming Seminars

Study Anatomy
Study the Science of Anatomy
Anatomy Museum
Click here to view a short video about the W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum which aired on TVNZ Heartland.
Postgraduate Study
Available projects and scholarships .
PGDipSurgAnat
Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy

Applications for 2013 open on 1 October 2012. Click here for further information.

Classic Citations

A citation classic recognises outstanding papers that have been published by staff and students of the Department of Anatomy. View our Classic Citations.