Personalization above anonymization? A role for considering the humanity and spirituality of the dead in anatomical education

This article argues that considering the relevance of spirituality, and wha t endures of a donor's humanity after death, would enhance contemporary anatomy education and the ethical treatment of human body donors (and derivatives). In developing this argument, we (the authors) address the historical connection between spirituality and anatomy, including the anatomical locat ions of the soul. This serves as a basis for examining the role of the mimetic—or imitative—potential of deceased human donors as representations of the living. We deliberate on the ways in which the depersonalization and anonymization of those donating challenge the mimetic purpose of human bo dy donors and the extent to which such practices are misaligned with the health care shift  from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial model. Weighing up the risks and opportunities of anonymization versus personalization of human body donors, we propose curricula that could serve to enhance the pers onalization of human donors to support students learning topographical form. In doing so, we argue that the personalization of human donors and depictions could prevent the ill effects of digital representations going “viral,” and enhance opportunities for donors to help the general public learn more about the human form.
Source: Anatomical Sciences Education - Category: Anatomy Authors: Tags: DISCURSIVE ARTICLE Source Type: research