Science Café to highlight the ’selfless gift’ of anatomical donations

Travis McCumber, PhD

Human anatomy constitutes an indispensable part of health science education and research, and the use of anatomical donations is essential to surgical and biomedical advancements and training.

At the Tuesday, Sept. 17, Omaha Science Café, Travis McCumber, PhD, director of the Nebraska Anatomical Board, will educate the public on the importance and process of anatomical donations.

His presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at the Slowdown in downtown Omaha.

An associate professor at the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, Dr. McCumber will share how deeded bodies are used to teach anatomy and surgical procedures to medical and dental students, postgraduate physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists and students in related disciplines.

“All members of the health science field who academically benefit from the selfless gift of human body donation are greatly indebted to human body donors for making advancements in health science education and research possible,” Dr. McCumber said.

Co-director of UNMC’s Master of Science in Medical Anatomy Program, Dr. McCumber has teaching interests in gross human anatomy and histology, with a specific interest in dynamic small-group and laboratory activities in relation to student learning and retention.

Science Cafés involve a conversation with an expert about current science topics, and they are open to everyone. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. Experts give a brief presentation followed by a Q&A period.