At Doane University, cadavers play a crucial role in training future healthcare professionals. The university maintains two cadavers on-site at any given time, allowing students in upper-level courses such as BIO 355: Human Anatomy and BIO 415: Cadaver Dissection to engage in hands-on learning experiences.
“What sets Doane apart is that students perform the dissection from start to finish. Not every school allows that,” said Becca Sprouse, assistant professor of practice in biology and anatomist. She is also an advisor for the Health Professions Advisory Committee and the Health and Medical Occupations Club.
Cadavers, primarily sourced from the Nebraska Anatomical Board, are treated with the utmost respect. Each donor’s story and purpose are integral to the learning process, with interdisciplinary classes examining broader themes around donation. “It’s not just about anatomy; it’s about the humanity behind the science,” Sprouse said. The cadavers are also utilized in other courses, including Phil Weitl's “Narrative Medicine” and Dan Clanton’s “Death and the Afterlife.”
In addition, over 150 high school students from schools such as Crete, Dorchester, Lincoln and Milford visit the lab each year, further highlighting Doane’s commitment to education and community engagement.
