SPOKANE, Wash. -- You might think that once you die you can longer give back.
But, medical schools across the nation rely on people donating their bodies once they pass away. It is all in the name of science.
Washington State University started its Willed Body Program in the 1970s. It has seen an increase in interested donors after the medical school opened last summer.
For some giving back does not stop at the end of their life. Each year Washington State University takes about 30 to 40 special donations. Donors who give their bodies over to science.
"It's a whole-body donation program, so we use the bodies for teaching human anatomy," Clinical Associate Professor WSU Medical School David Conley said.
Each year, the program provides hundreds of students, from a range of health fields, a chance to examine real human bodies. It is experience and knowledge that is invaluable to WSU's future doctors.
"It's the foundation for physical exam of patients. It's the foundation for interpreting diagnostic images. So, this knowledge base is really an essential knowledge base," Conley said.
University leaders said since the medical school officially opened there is more interest in the Willed Body Program.
"There are a lot of wonderful people out there who want to help students learn with the gift of their body after their death," Conley said.
These people are planning to donate their bodies to science for students who have dedicated their lives to it.
“It's not a financial donation. It's a gift of learning, a gift of knowledge that students will remember their entire lives. It's really an important gift and one we are extremely thankful," Conley said.
Conley said they are always looking for people willing to donate their bodies.
For more information, visit their website.