Andrew Payer, Ph.D., has been involved in medical education for more than 35 years and is one of the leading voices in applying new technologies and instructional techniques to the education of medical students.

He currently directs a state-of-the-art anatomy laboratory that uses cadavers and new technology at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. These cadavers are referred to as the med students’ “first patients.”

Payer describes the rapid pace of new innovations in the field of medicine and how medical education has changed over the last couple decades. Despite new technologies, however, there is nothing that can replace the experiences of students working with real human bodies.

Donating your body to science after your death is a gift that can help save lives in the future. Payer explains the reverential treatment all donated bodies receive, including a special send-off ceremony at the end of the semester.

Payer describes the special relationship that forms between his students and their “first patients,” and how the humanity of working with actual human bodies cannot be matched by technology.

If you want to help make a difference and are interested in donating your remains to the Willed Body Program at the UCF College of Medicine, click here to find out more or call 407-266-1142.