about the anatomical board
The Anatomical Board of the State of Florida is a nonprofit state organization responsible for receiving, preparing (embalming), storing and distributing donations of human cadavers used in medical education and research programs throughout the state. The Board distributes bodies to universities and colleges that have medical, osteopathic, dental, physician assistant, and physical therapy programs, as well as emergency personnel training facilities/courses, and continuing medical education programs. Understanding human anatomy through the use of cadavers is the core to these educational programs. The donation of one’s body for anatomical study is an admirable act of kindness that will contribute significantly to these educational and research programs. As one can see from the student tributes to donors, such noble body donations are greatly appreciated by the students as well as the faculty.
The mission of the Anatomical Board is to manage body donor resources in a dignified, respectful and professional manner, and thereby ensure that every health professional utilizing these resources is well-educated to enhance the health and well-being of all people.
OUR PROGRAM HISTORY
Body donor programs were established at the University of Miami in 1952 and at the University of Florida in 1956 as the schools enrolled their first medical students. In 1970, the Anatomical Board was established at the University of Florida College of Medicine by letters of agreement from the Board of Regents to handle the donation and use of bodies for education and research. Recent Florida Statutes 406.49-406.61 have defined a prominent role of the Anatomical Board in regulating anatomical specimens for teaching and research in the State of Florida. The Executive Director of the Anatomical Board is based at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, and handles the daily activities of the Anatomical Board. There is a governing board consisting of members from five of the Florida medical schools (University of Florida, University of Miami, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, and Florida State University) and the Osteopathic School of Medicine (Nova Southeastern University). The members of the Anatomical Board meet annually to review budget and policies of the Anatomical Board.
HONORING A SELFLESS ACT
School of Physician Assistant Studies class of 2024 holds ceremony recognizing anatomy lab donors
“Knowing that our donor was a teacher, as well as her cause of death and having a letter from her family, helped me to picture her as somebody who was loved by her family. I hope they understand the respect we have for her.”
– Bayley Seymour, PA class of 2024
More information
Donor Packet
Donation Forms & Instructions
Student Tribute
A tribute of thanks from our medical students
US Programs
List of other body donation programs by state
Locations and contact info
Currently, the Anatomical Board is headquartered at the University of Florida Health Science Center in Gainesville, Florida with satellite sites at the University of Central Florida School of Medicine in Lake Nona, Orlando, and University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami.
GAINESVILLE
University of Florida College of Medicine
1600 SW Archer Rd, Room CG-96
PO Box 100235
Gainesville, FL 32610-0235
(ph.) 352-392-3588
(fax) 352-392-3940
EMAIL: anatbd@dean.med.ufl.edu
MIAMI
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Office of Medical Education
PO Box 016960 (R-160)
Miami, FL 33101-6960
(ph.) 305-243-6691
(fax) 305-545-7166
EMAIL: anatboard@med.miami.edu
ORLANDO
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona
6850 Lake Nona Blvd
Orlando, FL 32827
(ph.) 407-266-1142
(fax) 407-266-1194
EMAIL: anatomicalboard@ucf.edu
