Body Donor Memorial Service

In May of 2025, PCOM Georgia hosted its annual Body Donor Memorial Service, welcoming more than 240 attendees—the largest turnout in the event's history.

Families from across the metro Atlanta area and beyond traveled to honor and receive the cremated remains of their loved ones. Some families even flew in from distant cities.

The memorial service, which takes months of preparation, was organized by 25 first-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students, in collaboration with Jeffrey K. Seiple, director of PCOM Anatomical Labs and Services, and Hannah Zepplin, anatomical director, Body Donor Program.

Warm hospitality filled the College as doctoral students opened doors to greet families; Physician Assistant Studies students escorted guests to the cafeteria for their catered breakfast, and Physical Therapy students poured hot coffee and tea with a smile.

Among the attendees was Board Member David McCleskey, who greeted many families personally. McCleskey expressed gratitude for the donors' contributions, acknowledging how their generosity advances medical education for the future doctors, physician assistants, and physical therapists at PCOM Georgia.

Miranda Turner (DO ’28) welcomed the large crowd, and Seiple offered words of thanks.

Michael Selby, PhD, an associate professor of Anatomy; Diana Peterson, PhD, a professor of Anatomy; and Erik Zarandy, DO ’12, an assistant professor of Family Medicine, shared their personal stories of working with body donors when they were students.

Student representatives from each program also spoke, including Milo Paman (DO ’28); Madison Gillespie (PA ’26); and Keilan Hulon (PT ’27), expressing appreciation for the donors’ sacrifices. 

The ceremony continued with the presentation of cremated remains as each family was called forward to receive their loved one. 

The room was filled with silent reflection, united in a collective remembrance. In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, each family of a female donor received a rose.

As the service drew to a close, Turner offered final remarks, leaving guests with a sense of connection, gratitude, and reverence for those who had selflessly given their bodies to science.

PCOM Georgia's 2024 body donor memorial service was held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, and was attended by 55 families as well as students, faculty and staff members. The service recognized the educational and research contributions of the families' loved ones who donated their bodies to science.

Family members were invited to say a few words at the podium. Many chose to thank the College and the Body Donor Program in addition to sharing stories about their loved ones or why they wanted to better medicine through their donations. Our osteopathic medical students also recognized Mother's Day by presenting white roses to donors' children in attendance.

Donations benefit many students enrolled in our osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, physical therapy and biomedical sciences programs. Body donations help train our medical and graduate students to learn about the human body through anatomy and pathology lessons.

PCOM Georgia's 2023 body donor memorial service was held on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Students, faculty and staff members recognized 52 individuals who donated their bodies to science to further the medical education of Georgia's future healthcare professionals.

The memorial service recognized the family members as well as the educational and research contributions of the families' loved ones. Families were invited to say a few words up at the podium and many chose to thank the College in addition to sharing stories about their loved ones and the reasons they wanted to better medicine through their donations. Our medical students also recognized Mother's Day by presenting white roses to of donors' children in attendance.

Body donations help train our students to learn about the human body through anatomy and pathology courses. Donations benefit many students enrolled in our osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, physical therapy and biomedical sciences programs.

PCOM Georgia's 2022 body donor memorial service was held on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Students, faculty and staff members recognized 40 individuals who donated their bodies to science to further the medical education of Georgia's future healthcare providers.

Donors contributed as teachers for students enrolled in osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, physical therapy and biomedical sciences. Family members and friends of the donors were invited to a breakfast and a ceremony planned by students. Read more about the 2022 memorial service.

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PCOM Georgia's 2021 body donor memorial service was held on Thursday, September 16. Students, faculty and staff members recognized 20 individuals who donated their bodies as to science to further the medical education of Georgia's future healthcare providers.

Donors contributed as teachers for students enrolled in osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, physical therapy and biomedical sciences. As part of the ceremony, students planted marigold flowers to remember and honor the donors and their families. Read more about the 2021 memorial service.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank each and every donor family for their support of PCOM Georgia's Anatomical Donor Program. Moreover, on behalf of our institution, faculty, staff, and especially all of our wonderful students, we hope you view the 2020 Donor Memorial Tribute Video to understand how much your loved one has influenced the education of our students at PCOM Georgia. This video is offered as a loving tribute to all of our donor families to honor their loved ones who have contributed unselfishly to medical education, society and mankind! Our donor's legacies live on through our students and will never be forgotten!

Jeffrey K. Seiple
Director of Anatomical Donor Services

In gratitude for the gift of anatomical donation, PCOM Georgia organizes an annual memorial service to honor donors and their families. All donor families receive an invitation to participate in the ceremony. The 2019 memorial service was held on May 11.

To recognize the generosity of body donors and their loved ones, PCOM Georgia conducts a yearly memorial service. Donor families are personally contacted and invited to share in this special occasion. The 2018 memorial service was held on May 12.

PCOM Georgia holds an annual memorial service to pay tribute to donors and extend appreciation to their families. Every donor family is invited to attend and participate in the service. The 2017 memorial service was held on Saturday, May 13.

PCOM Georgia conducts a memorial service each year to honor donors and to thank the families. All donor families are contacted, invited and asked to participate in our annual memorial service. The 2016 service was held on May 7.