The use of human material in anatomy education depends upon the generosity of body donors. However, little is known regarding the demographics of body donors in Brazil, where voluntary body donation is a relatively rare phenomenon. Hence, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the demographic profile of applicants to the Body Donation Program (BDP) at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre in Brazil, as well as to assess whether the observed characteristics of body donors are unique to that sample, or if they merely reflect the characteristics of the regional population. Information derived from the specific forms filled out by donors between January 2008 and June 2016 at the time of registration were collected. Data from 416 forms were analyzed. Based on this study, the typical applicant in Brazil is typically a white female (67.4%), over 60 years of age (60.3%), unmarried or single (70.6%), affiliated with a religious group (89.1%), of middle class background (40.4%), who has completed high school and/or holds a university degree (93.8%). The motivation of donors was, in most cases, an altruistic gesture, represented by the desire to help society and science. Elucidating these demographic characteristics of potential donors may help identify the target public to which information regarding body donation campaigns could be directed. Anat Sci Educ 10: 475-486. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.

ResumoO objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar como os biomodelos podem servir como ferramenta de ensino para o esclarecimento de técnicas cirúrgicas e o treinamento em um serviço de residência médica.Foram realizadas séries de casos em nosso ambulatório de ortopedia e traumatologia, nos quais o uso da prototipagem para o planejamento cirúrgico contribuiu para o ensino cirúrgico e treinamento de médicos residentes. Dois casos foram selecionados como exemplo neste artigo.O uso de biomodelos permite um melhor entendimento da cirurgia pela equipe cirúrgica e pelos residentes, e diminui o tempo e os riscos cirúrgicos aos pacientes.O uso de biomodelos no planejamento de reconstruções da artroplastia total do quadril pode servir como um bom método de ensino, para a avaliação e previsão das dificuldades no momento da cirurgia, e para otimizar os procedimentos.

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Introduction: Memorial ceremonies are a way for institutions to show their gratitude for the gesture made by body donors and are an opportunity for students to reflect on the ethical paradigm shift. Therefore, this study aims to describe the memorial ceremony at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre and assess the perception of both students and the donors’ relatives regarding the event. Material and methods: In 2016, a questionnaire was applied to donors’ relatives with questions regarding structure of the ceremony, ethical training of the students and importance of body donation. Another questionnaire was applied to the first-year students of the medical school, with questions about understanding the use of bodies, and their thoughts on death and relevant ethical issues. Results: Fifty questionnaires were answered by family members and 98% agreed that the ceremony was an opportunity to feel closer to the donors and 100% said that the ceremony is important in the ethical training of students. Among students, 68 questionnaires were answered, and all affirmed that the event had a positive impact on the perception of physician-patient relationship and personal growth, and 86.7% reported enhanced empathy. Conclusion: The memorial ceremony seems to encourage students to reflect on ethical issues, because at the same time that the donors’ relatives perceive an attitude of care and respect on the part of the students, the students state a heightened sense of commitment and responsibility regarding their learning and professional formation, which depends on the gesture made by the donors.