Silent Teachers

Students at the Tzu Chi Medical School refer to the bodies that they dissect in their human anatomy laboratories as "silent teachers."

The students feel that the bodies they dissect are their true teachers, guiding them to understand the anatomy and physiology of the human body. They often call their corpses "uncle" or "auntie" or "grandfather" or "little brother," depending upon age and gender. The students are very grateful for these donated bodies, and they truly feel that as they pursue their medical careers the spirits of their "silent teachers" will always remain at their side.