So much so that he donated his body to OHSU and his eyes to the Lions Eye Bank of Oregon when he passed away at age 59 of a massive heart attack. Because of donors like Smiley, medical students receive essential hands-on education, providing them with an opportunity to obtain the skills they need to become competent doctors. A physician must understand the structure of the human body because it is what they will work with for the rest of their careers. Body donations also play a significant role in the advancement of medical science. For example, the safety and strength of metal plates that are used every day to help repair broken bones are tested on human cadavers before they can be approved for use in living humans.
Medical students take the role of body donations very seriously and respectfully.
Schmidt said students often write cards and letters to the families of the deceased to thank them for their gifts. Schmidt and her colleagues recognize the high level of trust people must feel in order to will their bodies to science and reward that trust with respect for the donors. Those who donate their bodies to science are never forgotten. A memorial plaque in the MacKenzie Hall courtyard reminds us of people like Smiley who have made an outstanding contribution. The plaque represents the combined appreciation of all our teachers, graduates and students for the gift that has been given willingly for the greater good of our institution and the citizens of Oregon.