Dr Kimberley Davis accepts thinking about donating your body to science can seem a bit macabre.
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‘’But it is people in the past who have done that, who have then set a path for people like me to benefit,’’ she said.
Dr Davis had just turned 30 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last December.
Five months of chemo was followed by a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, before 25 sessions of radiation.
‘’I’m someone who is reaping the benefits of someone who has donated to medical science,’’ Dr Davis said.
I’m someone who is reaping the benefits of someone who has donated to medical science.
- Dr Kimberley Davis
‘’What a reconstruction would look like 20 years ago, would have been vastly different to what I’ve been able to experience and in another 20 years maybe it can be even better.
‘’That’s why I’m supporting the University of Wollongong’s Body Donation Program.’’
A UOW chemistry lecturer herself, Dr Davis said there were many benefits to supporting the program.
‘These include developments in surgical techniques, developments in the types of implants they can use and how they use those and of course training of medical students and surgeons,’’ she said.
‘’But for all of these three things to continue, we need bodies to practice on and do the research.
‘’I understand this can be difficult for people to consider but we want them to think of this program in a different way and imagine those people who will benefit from their donation.’’
A spokesperson said UOW was once again putting the call out for people to give the ultimate gift and consider signing up to be part of the Body Donation Program, to support the continuity of education for medical students.
‘’The program has had major benefits to the quality of learning for the students, providing them with the opportunity to get valuable practise with human bodies, resulting in the qualification of highly experienced students going out into the medical field,’’ the spokesperson said.
People donating their bodies are guaranteed that their remains will be treated with dignity, respect and anonymity.
‘’Our researchers and students are at all times aware of the special privilege that has been accorded them by the generosity of donors and their families.’’
