TC_15 years of Tzu Chi's silent mentors

In our next story, we look back at Tzu Chi's silent mentor program, to see how it all started. When the anatomy class at the newly completed Tzu Chi University in Hualien needed cadavers to train students, (CG) in February, 1995, Tzu Chi began promoting body donation. A year later, the first class took place. By 2002, the program expanded to offer simulated surgeries. To date, there have been more than 400 silent mentors, and almost 30,000 people have pledged to donate their bodies.

Selfless contributions, even in death
Feeling indebted to the silent mentor before her, tears trickle down a med student's face before the simulated surgery class begins.

Tzu Chi University 3rd year med student, Shen Yuxiang:"I shall do my best to learn the mysteries of human anatomy from Teacher Baocai."

Giving students valuable knowledge
The lessons that expose the mysteries of life are made possible by the selflessness of cadaver donors, and their families.

Silent Mentor's family, Lin Baofeng:"I trust and have confidence that you will all turn out to be very good doctors."

1st silent mentor: Lin Huimin
At Hualien's Tzu Chi University, gross anatomy for med students was made possible when the school first opened 15 years, and established the cadaver donor program known as Silent Mentors. The program was the first of its kind in Taiwan. The first silent mentor was Miss Lin Huimin from Zhanghua County.

Tzu Chi University honorary president, Li Mingliang:"She was such a wonderful and incredible person. As the end of her life neared, she still wanted to contribute."

1st silent mentor Lin Huimin's daughter, Chen Yiru:"My mother told me that when she passed on, she wanted us to donate all of her organs. To be honest, I had a hard time coming to terms with that decision."

Miss Lin Huimin set an example for all to follow. Master Cheng Yen also widely commended Miss Lin's selfless contribution, and that incited more to follow her lead.

Program began on Sept 17, 1996
As the 1996 fall semester began, on September 17th, the University honored all of the silent mentors before instruction started, by holding the first Silent Mentor Commencement ceremony.

Simulation Center opened Dec 31, 1996
On December 31st, 1996, the university launched its Medical Simulation Center. A week later, the anatomical embalming room was completed. Here, Taiwan's first gravity-fed embalming process gets used on a specialized bed, so no drainage of bodily fluid occurs -- out of respect for the donors.

Tzu Chi respects the mentors in every way
From the commemoration of silent mentor's , to the funeral proceedings, to the memorial service, until finally their cremated remains are set in Tzu Chi's columbarium, every proceeding is carried out with utmost respect, to honor these selfless teachers, and to teach the students about respect.

Tzu Chi University medical student, Lin Yingzheng:"In the future, when a surgical situation arises, I can remain composed and handle it with ease. I am quite experienced now, in terms of basic surgical skills, and I have great respect for life. I have my mentor, Jiang Junhong, to thank for."

Clinical training began May 26, 2002
On May 26th, 2002, the 2nd graduating medical majors at the university underwent their first training in clinical practice. In the four-day program, they obtained valuable real-life experience and skills, setting a new standard in Taiwan's medical education.

On September 15th, 2003, the university lunched the first real human body surgery simulation program in Taiwan, where doctors in residency could learn even more from the silent mentors.

Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital resident doctor, Wang Yilan:"When I interact with patients now, I am more attentive and careful, for behind every patient are families, full of worries. In the future, as I practice medicine, I shall be more patient and nurturing."

Resident doctors, specialists learn too
This year, the university even went so far as to hold a special medical symposium, where medical specialists from all over could have the opportunity to learn from silent mentors.

Hualien TC Hospital Urology Dept. chief, Dr. Guo Hanchong:"In most medical symposia, surgery simulations are for demonstration purposes only. So the instructor will be working, while others can only watch; but through our silent mentors program, every participant can learn, hands on."

TCU Medical Simulation Center chief, Dr, Zeng Guofan:"Thanks to the general public's trust in Tzu Chi, we gain access to these valuable resources, which we can share with others. We hope that by working together, we can further our over-all abilities."

Valuable knowledge to save living
It has been 14 years since the first silent mentors passed along their most personal of treasures. Now, the med students who have learned from them are all fully fledged medical professionals, and continue to serve and save lives with respect and compassion.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Silent mentor
• Tzu Chi University
• Tzu Chi