The Immortal Flower Lady: A Woman's Legacy in Medical Research

2025-04-16
The Immortal Flower Lady: A Woman's Legacy in Medical Research

Dr. Victor Spitzer of the University of Colorado School of Medicine and his friend Susan Potter share an extraordinary story. Potter's persistence in donating her body to Spitzer's Visible Human Project for medical education culminated in a 14-year journey. High-resolution digital images of Potter's remains were reconstructed, exceeding the detail of previous Visible Human projects. Beyond imagery, Spitzer's company, Touch of Life Technologies, aims to create a virtual 'living cadaver' of Potter, combining her anatomy with her life story to create a richer educational resource. Potter's story prompts reflection on the selfless dedication to medical education and the future of anatomical study.