Doreen Edna Buhler, who passed away at the age of 96, led a challenging yet extraordinary life. Born on a farm in Calahoo, Alta., she later moved to Edmonton after her father’s death. In the city, she worked with her husband at his family’s diner. Following her husband’s death when she was 39, Buhler supported her 13 children by working as a baker and chef in various kitchens in Edmonton.
Before her passing, Buhler decided to donate her body to the University of Alberta’s Anatomical Gifts Program to contribute to the education of future medical professionals. Her daughter, Brigid Burton, spoke fondly of her mother at a commemorative service for anatomical donors. The event, held annually by the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, pays tribute to individuals who have bequeathed their bodies to the program.
Dr. David Williams, chair of the surgery department, expressed gratitude towards donor families for honoring their loved ones’ wishes and aiding in the education of U of A medical students. Anatomical donations play a crucial role in various health and research programs on campus, benefiting students in medicine, dentistry, kinesiology, physical therapy, and physical education.
Each year, the university receives between 50 and 80 body donations through the Anatomical Gifts Program. These donations provide students with hands-on learning experiences, offering insights into anatomical relationships, disease progression, and rare medical procedures. Donors have the option to have their remains returned to their families or cremated and scattered at a designated site maintained by the university.
The memorial service not only served as closure for Burton and her brother Anthony Buhler but also highlighted the selflessness of individuals like Doreen Edna Buhler who choose to donate their bodies for educational purposes. Margaret Juryn, a second-year medical student, emphasized the invaluable educational opportunities that real human bodies provide to students, showcasing the unique aspects of each individual that textbooks cannot capture.
In conclusion, the act of donating one’s body for medical education is viewed as a courageous and selfless decision, allowing individuals to continue teaching even after their passing. The University of Alberta’s Anatomical Gifts Program has been instrumental in advancing medical education and research since its inception in 1921, contributing to the training of numerous medical professionals each year.
