June 10,2025 – Speaker Series: Amanda K. Mittelstadt Understanding Anatomical Donation

Join us for a compassionate and informative conversation with Amanda K. Mittelstadt, Director of the Anatomical Gifts Program and Experiential Laboratories. Amanda will guide us through the process of whole-body donation, its profound impact on medical education and research, and how individuals and families can thoughtfully plan this final gift.

Learn what anatomical donation truly involves, how to register, and what to expect — including the emotional and logistical considerations that matter most. Whether you’re exploring this option for yourself or supporting a loved one, this event offers clarity, reassurance, and the opportunity to understand how one act of generosity can educate generations.

Overview

• Welcome and overview
• What is whole-body donation?
  • Definition and purpose
  • Educational vs. clinical use
• How whole-body donation differs from organ donation
  • Process and timing
  • End goals of each
• Donor consent and eligibility
  • Who can donate
  • When and how consent is given
  • Role of next-of-kin
• Overview of anatomical donation programs in North Carolina
  • Programs available
  • How UNC’s program differs
• About UNC’s whole-body donation program
  • Who we are
  • How our program operates
  • All donors remain at UNC
• Our end users and the role of the “Silent Teacher”
  • Medical students and educators
  • Educational vs. clinical applications
  • Philosophy of respect and gratitude
• Donation process logistics
  • Types of preparation
  • How to complete donor forms
  • Working with a funeral provider
• Information for donor families
  • Cost to families (if any)
  • Cremation options
  • Final disposition choices
• Honoring donors
  • Our Service of Gratitude
  • Acknowledging families and legacy
• Questions and answers

Amanda K. Mittelstadt, MHA, is the Director of the Anatomical Gifts Program at the UNC School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, a position she began in early 2024. Before this, she served as the founding director of High Point University’s Willed Body Program for over six years.

Amanda is deeply committed to serving donor families, students, faculty, and researchers with the highest ethical and professional standards. She consistently works to align her programs with national best practices and is passionate about building a more sustainable, inclusive, and ethical donation program at UNC. As part of this commitment, she was the first director in North Carolina to implement the use of a non-toxic preservation fluid for anatomical donation.

As a licensed Funeral Service Provider since 2008, Amanda brings compassion and understanding to help families navigate loss and honor their loved one’s final wishes. She is also a licensed crematory operator and certified celebrant.

As an advocate for ethical anatomical donation, Amanda is the co-founder of the Eastern Consortium of Academic Body Donation Programs, which brings together professionals to discuss emerging topics and best practices. She also serves on the North Carolina Commission of Anatomy and is a past chair of the AACA Anatomical Services Committee.

Outside of her professional life, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their two rescue dogs while exploring the Raleigh area.