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Update on HMS Anatomical Gift Program

View the Summary Report on the Harvard Medical School Anatomical Gift Program

Community message from Provost Alan M. Garber and Dean George Q. Daley, December 7, 2023

Dear Members of the HMS and HSDM Communities,

We write to you today with an update on the independent review of the Anatomical Gift Program at Harvard Medical School. This review was initiated by the University after we learned from the U.S. Attorney’s Office about allegations of criminal activity within the program, which led to the indictment and arrest of Cedric Lodge, a former staff member in the HMS morgue.

Lodge’s alleged criminal acts, which involved the unlawful interstate transport of stolen human remains, are morally reprehensible and inconsistent with the standards that Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, our anatomical donors, and their loved ones expect and deserve. We reaffirm our deep sorrow for the continued uncertainty and distress that families face as the criminal proceedings continue. Below, we have included links to resources for next of kin and families, as well as for members of the HMS and HSDM communities.

Separate from the criminal investigation into Lodge’s activities and as part of its oversight of Harvard Medical School, the Harvard University Office of the President and Provost appointed a panel of three outside experts to evaluate the Anatomical Gift Program and related policies and practices, with the goal of providing constructive feedback and recommendations to ensure that the program adheres to the highest standards and best practices. The panel recently concluded its work, culminating in a report released today on our public website at provost.harvard.edu/AGP-update.  

We thank the external panelists for their vital and thorough work over the past several months. As a critical next step, we have appointed a task force chaired by HMS Dean for Medical Education Bernard Chang to review the panel’s recommendations and to develop an implementation plan in an expedient and thoughtful manner.

We take our responsibility for oversight of the Anatomical Gift Program seriously. We owe it to our community, and especially to our anatomical donors and their loved ones, to ensure that Harvard is worthy of those who, through selfless generosity, have chosen and will in the future choose to advance medical education and research. An anatomical donation is among the most altruistic acts and deserves our attention and profound respect.

Sincerely,

Alan M. Garber 
Provost
Harvard University

George Q. Daley
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Harvard University

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Resources for Next of Kin and Donor Families

HMS has established an online resource hub specifically for next of kin and family members, which includes:

Resources for Members of the HMS & HSDM Communities

This community resources webpage is available to Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine students, staff, faculty, postdocs, and trainees. If you are struggling with this news and wish to speak to someone or access wellness programs, please consider the following University resources:

  • CAMHS Cares (617-495-2042) provides a 24/7 mental health support line for students.
  • TimelyCare provides virtual health and wellbeing services for students.
  • Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work/Life Programs are available to faculty and employees. You can reach the EAP at 877-EAP-HARV (877-327-4278).
  • Harvard Chaplains represent many of the world’s religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions, and share a collective commitment to serving the spiritual needs of all Harvard community members.
  • Center for Wellness and Health Promotion offers massage, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and more to all Harvard community members.
  • Harvard Ombuds Office, Longwood serves all staff, trainees, faculty, and students and can help address issues affecting work or studies. The Ombuds Office is independent by design and provides highly confidential, impartial, and informal support for clarifying concerns, identifying goals, and considering all options for managing or resolving issues.