The first body donation to MAKÜ Faculty of Medicine

The funeral of 77-year-old Kazım Özüdoğru, who bequeathed to donate his body for medical education, was delivered to Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Medicine in a ceremony attended by his family. Özüdoğru became the first body donor of the faculty.

The ceremony held on October 15, World Anatomy Day and National Anatomy Week, was attended by Özüdoğru's wife Ayşe Özüdoğru, daughter Burcu Cunneen, grandchildren, his doctor Barış Gürcü, university administrators, academics, and students.

Contribution to anatomy education

Dr. Emine Hilal Şener, a faculty member of the Anatomy Department of MAKÜ Faculty of Medicine, stated that the studies conducted on the human body provide students with the opportunity to learn anatomy practically. Şener expressed that quality anatomy education contributes to the professional confidence and clinical success of medical candidates.

Şener pointed out that body donations in Turkey are not at a sufficient level, mentioning that lack of information and societal concerns are among the obstacles to donations.

Emphasizing that donated bodies are evaluated with respect and sensitivity within the framework of medical ethics, Şener thanked Özüdoğru and his family. 

Prof. Dr. Cem Çetin, Dean of MAKÜ Faculty of Medicine, stated that the donation represents a meaningful beginning in the establishment process of the faculty. Dean Çetin expressed that Kazım Özüdoğru's memory will be kept alive in the faculty and that the donation will be reflected in anatomy education in the best possible way.

Your trust is our trust

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner highlighted the contribution of body donation to future physicians and the people they will serve. Öner emphasized the importance of supporting theoretical knowledge with practice in medical education.

Reminding students that the bodies they will benefit from in their education once belonged to people who had dreams, joys, and life stories, Öner stated that respect for donors is among the ethical values of the medical profession. Thanking the family, Öner used the expression, “Your trust is our trust.”

The family shared memories

Burcu Cunneen, Kazım Özüdoğru's daughter and a retired teacher, recounted that her father worked as a baker and was known as “Kazım Baba” in his community. Cunneen mentioned that she wanted students to address her father in this way.

Cunneen noted that her father enjoyed spending time with young people, saying, “He loved being with young people and rejuvenating with them. Now he is actually where he should be, next to the young.”

Cunneen expressed that the fact that her father will contribute to the education of 31 medical students at the faculty is a source of comfort and pride for them.

After the speeches, plaques were presented to Ayşe Özüdoğru and Burcu Cunneen. After the ceremony, Ayşe Özüdoğru shared the soaps her husband made while he was alive with the students.