We understand that every offer to donate is deeply heartfelt. While we wish to honor every intention, certain medical and logistical conditions may affect eligibility. The Faculty generally accepts donors who had non-communicable diseases such as cancer or underwent surgery. However, we may not be able to accept donations in cases involving infectious diseases, major trauma, decomposition, or any that requires medico-legal investigations.
There may also be times when our facilities reach full capacity. During such periods, we deeply regret that we must pause the intake of donors. We kindly ask for your understanding in these exceptional circumstances.
In Hong Kong, body donation registration is not legally binding. The final decision rests with the donor’s immediate family. We therefore encourage all donors to have open, heartfelt conversations with their loved ones, ensuring everyone understands and respects the donor’s wishes. It is also helpful to include these intentions in a legal will.
Both forms of donation are acts of incredible kindness. We encourage organ donation first, as it may directly save or improve lives. Following organ donation, whole-body donation can still provide invaluable contributions to education and training.
We understand the concerns of individuals who live alone or may not have close family to carry out their final wishes. If you are in this situation, you can remark your intentions in your registration. However, we would recommend such individuals seeking assistance from charitable organizations offering end-of-life planning services. These social services can help ensure your wish to become a Silent Teacher will be fulfilled with dignity.
Families who wish to hold a farewell ceremony may do so before the donor’s body is transferred to the university. Once teaching is complete, CUHK staff will reach out to arrange cremation. If needed, families can authorize the university to help with these arrangements.
Please note that due to the nature of in-depth anatomical teaching, the donor’s body cannot be reconstructed for viewing. However, we honor each donor with deep respect, ensuring their final moments are treated with dignity and care.
After cremation, ashes may be collected by the family for placement in a legal columbarium or used in green burial services, such as sea or garden scattering.
CUHK also offers a dedicated ash scattering area at the Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery. Here, families and students gather twice a year to pay tribute through a solemn ceremony, placing a memorial plaque to honor their Silent Teacher’s legacy.
Once a donor passes away, their immediate family must give consent for the donation to proceed. Within two to three working days, the family should collect the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (Form 18) and contact our team at CUHK. Relevant documents should be faxed or email to us to begin the donation process.
Next, families must register the death at the Immigration Department’s Death Registry and obtain the necessary cremation permit and death certificate. Funeral arrangements can be made either independently or with the assistance of CUHK’s contracted funeral service provider if needed.
Depending on the donor’s selection, their body may be used for:
– Anatomy education (approximately 2–3 years)
– Surgical practice and medical training (6 months to 1 year)
– Preparation of anatomical specimens (2–3 years, with partial remains)
Following completion of teaching, CUHK will contact the family to arrange cremation. Families may then decide on the final resting place or request for ashes to be scattered in CUHK’s memorial garden located at the Junk Bay Chinese Permanent Cemetery.
A commemorative plague bearing the donor’s name will be placed at the Faculty of Medicine for around three years. Family and friends are welcome to visit during office hours to offer flowers and quiet reflection.
In addition, CUHK invites loved ones to join in the ash scattering ceremony in the Junk Bay Chinese Permanent Cemetery, led by students who honor their Silent Teacher’s legacy twice a year. Memorial plaques are then placed on the garden’s remembrance wall as a lasting tribute.
All information provided by donors is treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for the purposes of donation arrangements and educational needs. Personal data will be securely stored for up to 100 years or until the donor’s teaching contribution is complete.
Donors have the right to access and update their personal data. For any inquiries, please contact the Body Donation Programme Office directly.