Reconnect ... with Lynn Waugh

Gross Anatomy is the quintessential medical course, a right of passage on the journey to becoming a physician. This is widely understood in the med ed community. But many never consider the enormous amount of work that occurs behind-the-scenes to enable this aspect of physician training.  

At the Heritage College, the vast majority of this work falls to Lynn Waugh, a trained mortician, who serves as manager of our college’s Body Donor Program. In her nearly 10 years at the Heritage College, Lynn has helped to facilitate the donation of hundreds of bodies to science. Her calm presence and ability to articulate the program’s value has been a source of strength to countless families in a difficult time.  

Click below to hear Lynn’s reflections on the program.  

“We have a lot of doctors, nurses, teachers and professors that donate, and they always say, 'I've taught my whole life; I can't wait to teach in death,'" Lynn reflected in our interview.

Personally, I can't think of a more altruistic contribution to medical education than body donation, and I can't imagine anyone more suited than Lynn to spearhead this important work at the Heritage College. Her grace, kindness and care for our body donors and their loved ones embody our college's commitment to Lead with Care. 

Ken Johnson, D.O.
Executive Dean, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Ohio University