A shortage of cadavers is presenting a significant challenge for medical students and surgical training in Scotland, despite a generally effective body donation program. Professor Gordon Findlater, HM Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland, noted in his annual report that rising demand for courses, combined with government-set intake targets for medical schools, is straining the availability of bodies for dissection.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, anatomy departments accepted 308 bodies, a decrease of nine from the previous year. This supply is intended to serve an estimated 6,761 medical students enrolled in Scottish universities. The report specifically highlighted the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) as facing a “serious problem” in sourcing cadaver material to meet demand for its courses.
Professor Findlater indicated that the situation is compounded by the need for Scotland's five medical schools to provide cadavers for an increasing number of students. The Scottish Government previously raised the annual intake of medical places from 848 to 1,417, a target that remains in place for the upcoming academic year.
Joe Payne, chairman of the British Medical Association’s Scottish Medical Student Committee, stated that a 72% increase in medical students since 2015 is “actively undermining confidence, retention and long-term sustainability.”
While Professor Findlater acknowledged that the body donor program largely meets the needs of the country's medical schools and surgical colleges, he conceded that "more donations would allow more to be done both in education and research."
Dr. Amanda Hunter, Head of Delivery (Education and Examinations) at RCSEd, welcomed the report and emphasized the importance of body donations for surgeon education and training. She stated that RCSEd is committed to working with Scotland’s anatomy departments to support this vital area of education while ensuring donated materials are treated with dignity and respect.
A spokesperson for the University of Aberdeen acknowledged the national pressures but noted that the university had not been directly affected by a lack of cadavers. They stressed the vital role of ongoing body donation in ensuring Scotland’s medical schools can continue to deliver high-quality teaching.
The Scottish Government expressed gratitude to those who donate their bodies for medical education and research, noting that availability depends on voluntary donations and bequests. A government spokesperson added that Scotland’s anatomy departments collaborate to manage demand and optimize resource use, and that the government will continue to engage with stakeholders on the issues raised in the report.