Those involved in the Clinical Anatomy course taught last fall: first-year medical students from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix; physical therapy and occupational therapy students from Northern Arizona University; and faculty and staff who teach the course and manage the clinical anatomy laboratory, were invited to participate in and attend a Ceremony of Appreciation for the willed body donors. The Ceremony was hosted on February 4th, 2019 in the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium.
For many students, the Clinical Anatomy course is considered a right of passage. The willed body donor is often thought of as our first patient. Studying anatomy with the help of his or her body is simultaneously a time of intense learning and complex emotions. This year, some of the students who attended the Ceremony of Appreciation submitted artwork that was displayed at the ceremony. Their pieces both express their gratitude for the donors and to reflect on their experiences in Clinical Anatomy. With the permission of the artists, photographs of some of the pieces displayed are included here (all photographs courtesy of Dr. Cynthia Standley). The student’s artwork will be on display in the corridor outside the anatomy lab for the next year.
“Connected Hearts” by Merrion Dawson, watercolors and ink, 9 in x 12 in
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“Occiput and C Spine” by Megan Cadigan, colored pencil on colored paper, 7 in x 7 in
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“Heart” by Sokena Zaidi, watercolor, 9 in x 12 in
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“The Universe Is Inside You” by Sokena Zaidi, watercolor, 9 in x12 in
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“Legacy” by Elizabeth Borden, acrylics, 12 in x 10.5 in
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“Study of Feet for Donor” by Dara Farhadi, pencil and charcoal, 9 in x 12 in
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“Give of Yourself” by Michelle Arnold, watercolor, 12 in x 18 in
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“Cérebro Colorido” by Krista Lyn Beerling, watercolor, 8.5 in x 11 in
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“Your Breath in Our Lungs” by Jamie Terran, colored pencil, 8 in x 11 in
Michelle Arnold is member of the The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Class of 2022. She received her Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Spanish from Arizona State University in 2015 and a Master’s degree in Applied Ethics and the Professions (Biomedical and Health Ethics) also from Arizona State University in 2017. She has interests in medical humanities, patient-provider relationships, and improving healthcare for underserved communities.