Today@Sam Article
SHSU-COM Hosts Ceremony of Gratitude to Honor Anatomical Donors
March 14, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
By Brittany Foreman
The Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) recently held its Ceremony of Gratitude, a heartfelt tribute to the individuals who generously donated their bodies to medical education. These donors, known as silent teachers, provide student doctors with an unparalleled learning experience—one that shapes not only their understanding of human anatomy but also their approach to patient care with respect, compassion and humility.
The ceremony brought together student doctors, faculty and staff to honor the lives and legacies of these remarkable individuals. Through personal reflections, letters and a visual tribute, the event served as a moment of collective gratitude for the profound impact these donors have on medical education.
A student doctor presented a meaningful project in which students were asked to choose a single word that captured their experience in the anatomy lab. These words were woven together into a word tree, a symbolic representation of the gratitude and respect felt by the student doctors during their time in lab. Additionally, students wrote heartfelt letters expressing appreciation for the donors’ extraordinary gift.
One student’s letter read:
"Your loved one was not just a donor; they were my first teacher. Through their selfless gift, I gained knowledge that no textbook could ever provide. But beyond the science, I learned a deeper lesson—the importance of respect, humility and gratitude in medicine. I want you to know that your loved one was always treated with the utmost care and reverence, and their gift was never taken for granted. As I continue my journey in medicine, the lessons I have learned from this experience will stay with me. Your loved one has played a direct role in shaping my education, and in turn, they will influence every patient I care for in the future."
As the ceremony continued, students shared reflections on the reverence and responsibility they felt throughout their time in the anatomy lab. Many spoke of how this experience deepened their sense of purpose, reminding them that behind every patient is a life, a story and a family who loves them.
Faculty members, whose dedication ensures a respectful and meaningful learning environment, were also recognized during the event. As a token of appreciation, they received a framed tribute acknowledging their guidance and commitment to shaping future physicians.
The Ceremony of Gratitude is a cherished tradition at SHSU-COM, reinforcing the deep appreciation student doctors have for their donors and the families who made their education possible. It is a reminder that medicine is not just about knowledge and skill—it is about compassion, service and the profound privilege of caring for others.
Through this annual event, SHSU-COM honors not only the silent teachers who have contributed to medical education but also the lasting impact they have on future generations of physicians and the countless patients they will serve.
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