First-year Medical students at UKZN recently participated in the Anatomy Cadaveric Oath Taking ceremony, where they committed to treating the cadavers in Anatomy with the utmost respect, dignity, and responsibility.
The ceremony, organised by the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences introduced students to the intricate details of the human body, informed them on how to conduct themselves when handling the bodies, and encouraged them to honour and show gratitude to the families who donated the bodies of their loved ones.
It began with a prayer by Reverend Dr Lehlohonolo Mathibe while Ms Cassandra Creamer directed the programme. All the speakers echoed the need for respect, dignity and gratitude when handling the bodies.
Senior lecturer in Clinical Anatomy, Dr Carmen Rennie, introduced staff in the School and informed students of what to expect during their studies while gaining a deeper understanding of the human body. She reminded students that cadavers were once living individuals with families, who demonstrated their altruism by contributing to medical science. The ceremony should remind students of the humanity at the heart of medical science, and inspire them to carry forward these values in their future medical careers.
Rennie also highlighted that the cadavers will assist students in gaining a deeper understanding of disease processes, how the body is structured, surgical training and techniques, medical device development, and the embryological development of the body.
Academic leader for Teaching and Learning in the School, Dr Pamela Pillay highlighted the importance of the UKZN body donation programme and the ethics involved. She noted that universities previously relied on unclaimed and unidentified bodies, but now rely on body donors. She also urged the students to remain professional and respectful and adhere to the regulations that govern the use of the bodies.
Guest speaker, Dr Nombuso Mathe, Chief Specialist and Acting Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, said students should consider it to be an honour to be on the receiving end as the families have trusted complete strangers with the bodies of their loved ones and their ancestors.
Mathe, herself a Medical student 26 years ago, reminded the students that patients are their single greatest and most important teachers and that they will teach them about themselves. ‘Congratulations for having come this far. You may struggle with adjustment but remember to find your people and go out there, and things will improve.’
She added that, while things might get tough, and this may be the most challenging phase of their lives, they should ‘persevere and never give up’.
Senior Technician Mr Gideon Mahlalela outlined the code of conduct and the need to respect the cadavers. He reminded the students that families wait two years to bury their loved ones because they chose to give back to science, and the least they can do is respect the cadavers. He took the students through the laboratory ground rules, proper clothing, and how they are expected to conduct themselves.
A poem was recited by third-year MBChB student Ms Sinqobile Khuzwayo, while Medical School Student Representative Council member Ms Yolokazi Malangeni led the reciting of the cadaveric oath.
Words: Sithembile Shabangu
Photograph: Yola Ndzabe
