VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2028 Honors Their Anatomy Donors

VCOM-Louisiana students gathered around a giant VCOM light up sign

By Danielle Voumard - 11/13/2025

The VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2028 came together on Sept. 29, 2025, to honor the ultimate act of generosity from their anatomy donors. The Donor Memorial Ceremony, a deeply meaningful tradition, gave students the opportunity to reflect on the lessons, experiences, and personal growth inspired by working with their donors throughout the past year’s anatomy curriculum.

Starting with the Anatomy Donor Symposium, where students presented posters highlighting their donors, which are often referred to as their “first patients.” Each poster summarized the invaluable lessons learned from the hands-on experience in the anatomy lab. Awards for Best Poster and Best Spirit were presented, celebrating both academic rigor and respect for the donors’ contributions.

Later, the Donor Memorial ceremony commenced. The solemnity of the occasion was enriched by the Class of 2028’s Trinity Smartt, who shared her original poem, “Thank You,” capturing the ways in which patients guide and impact a medical student’s journey. The VCOM-Louisiana SOAP Notes a cappella group performed Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” adding an emotional, reflective tone to the program.

An exhibit of student artwork, alongside a piece by Jasmine Belton, MLS, anatomy lab supervisor, honored the donors and the lessons they inspired. These works were a tribute to both the donors and the faculty who guided students in understanding the intricacies of the human body.

Lindsey Brierre, a member of the ceremony committee, contributed four paintings representing the blocks in which students worked with their donors. Reflecting on her experience, Lindsey shared: “Every dissection not only deepened our understanding of anatomy but revealed how each intricate detail of our donors’ anatomy shaped their daily life and made them who they were. I want to thank my donor for this incredibly selfless gift—this experience will shape how I care for every patient.”

Faculty and student reflections underscored the profound educational and human impact of donor-based learning. Belton emphasized the trust placed in students and faculty by donors’ families: “If I could share one message with the families of our donors, it would be that we are immensely grateful. It takes a truly special person to donate themselves to our program. And the families, too, place their trust in us during a time when they don’t have their loved one with them. That is incredibly meaningful.”

In today’s world, much learning can be simulated through technology, but it’s rare to gain such a tangible, personal connection to the human body. This hands-on experience has been both empowering and deeply moving, shaping me into a more thoughtful and compassionate physician in training.

Sydni Kinnard , VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2028

Savannah Newell, PhD, VCOM-Louisiana’s discipline chair for anatomical sciences, highlighted the unique educational value of donor-based instruction. “Textbooks can’t truly capture human variation. Even when two people look alike on the outside, dissection reveals unique internal differences. Working with donors allows students to see 3-D relationships firsthand, opening doors to research and publication opportunities. Beyond academics, it teaches humility, compassion, and the importance of treating donors as our first patients—allowing students to learn without the pressure of perfection.”

Uzochukwu Adabanya, MD, MPH, BSc—affectionately known as Dr. Uzo—added: “If I had the opportunity to speak to the families of our donors, I would simply say, ‘thank you.’ The chance for our students to practice fundamental skills and develop as future physicians is invaluable. Donors’ generosity truly shapes the next generation of medical professionals.”

The Donor Memorial Ceremony serves as a poignant reminder that learning in medicine extends far beyond textbooks. Through their donors’ generosity, the Class of 2028 gained not only anatomical knowledge but also lessons in empathy, respect, and appreciation for the human experience. The ceremony celebrated those who gave the gift that will resonate in their patients’ care for years to come—the ultimate legacy in shaping the physicians of tomorrow.