Gary F Perry: co-ordinator of the Anatomical Gift Programme at University College Dublin's Department of Human Anatomy.
I don't have a typical working day as such. I generally arrive in the office shortly after 9am and check my telephone messages and post box. The contents of both will determine my day.
The Anatomical Gift Programme (AGP) is a unique programme whereby members of the public can leave their body to medical education following their death.
Members of the public have a unique opportunity to make a lasting and valuable contribution to medical education. Through our donor programme they can provide the foundation of knowledge for future doctors, physiotherapists, radiographers and other health care professionals.
Each year, hundreds of young men and women embark on their studies at UCD.
At the core of their medical education is anatomy, or the study of the human body. Thanks to the generosity of our donors these students are able to obtain firsthand knowledge of the workings of the human body.
Everything from the donor's initial inquiry, including furnishing of programme information and answering any questions or relieving any concerns members of the public may have, falls within my remit. We currently have in excess of 800 registered donors in our programme.
My work is of a highly sensitive and confidential nature requiring considerable discretion.
As a result of the unpredictable nature of death, the funeral directors may telephone me at any time during the day. Following the death of a registered donor I liase with the family and the funeral directors. The donor's remains are usually brought to UCD within 48 hours.
Our students study anatomy over a two-year period and a donor's remains may be kept for up to that period.
In many ways, the donor is the first patient that a student will encounter in their medical training.
Following the conclusion of our studies, I organise, in conjunction with families, the final disposition of our donors.
As a final mark of respect to all the anatomical donors at UCD I attend the cremation or burial as a representative of the university.
Every three years, an Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance is held to acknowledge the very high-minded and charitable bequests made to our medical school.
The service comprises music and readings from many different traditions by medical, physiotherapy and padiography students.
I've always been interested in a career in the medical or paramedical department. The course of my career has led me to this position and I'm quite happy to be here.
• Enquiries to the UCD Anatomical Gift Programme can be made on 01-7167250.