Student Reflection

by Brian Bergfeld Good morning. Today we recognize our friends and family members who have died and have donated their bodies to science. As a first year medical student studying anatomy, I am directly benefitted by these substantial gifts. Studying the structural relationships directly from these bodies provides the greatest understanding and appreciation of the overwhelming complexity of the human body. In recognition of the donors, I have written a short poem: The Silent Teacher Though I hear not your voice, you invite me and challenge, 'Draw closer, now look, feel and learn'. Though I feel not your touch, your spirit hand guides me. 'Follow my vessels through each twist and turn.' Though I'm blind to your smile, I know that you cared. You deserve to be proud that you died and you dared To surrender your body so others may learn. In you I find love and transcending concern. The medical students at Saint Louis University owe a tremendous debt of gratitude and respect to our deceased patrons, as well as you their family and friends who supported them in this decision. Thank you.

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