Chairman: Dante P. Bornales, MD, MHPEd, FPNA
Faculty Staff:
Norman S. Garcia, MD, FPCS, FPSGS
Ma. Concepcion R. Comia, MD, DPPS
Cesar Isidro, MD, FPCS, FPSGS
Ronnie Cruz, MD, DPSP
Cesar H. Garcia, MD, FPCS, FPOA

Historical Notes on the Department of Human Anatomy

When MCU College of Medicine was born in 1947, the Department of Human Anatomy has already been a performing department even early on during its roots from the antiquated Afable College of Medicine. Dr. Leonardo Mendiola was the pioneer Chairman of the department during its infancy stage until 1984. During Dr. Mendiola’s time, one can simply imagine how difficult it was during the post-war period to cope with the demands for educational instructional materials compounded by the difficulty of institutional growth when the national economy of the country was just then merely recovering. Quite remarkably, despite of the hindrances, the department was able to do its part and contribute to the growth of the institution as a whole.

It was during the term of Dr. Pacita P. Garcia as Chairperson (1984-1998) that the department took a step forward and become knowledgeable on the then advanced concept of cadaver plastination. Likewise during this period, the faculty staff of the department started to take active participation in the national organization of the anatomists, the Philippine Society of Anatomists.

Newer and relevant instructional materials, including human body models and simulation models, were seen during the chairmanship of Dr. Lily Ann H. Cabuling (1998-2002). Innovations in teaching strategies and massive curricular reforms highlighted this years as the century turned.

Advancement in technology and overflow of educational innovations and teaching strategies were the challenges that faced the term of Dr. Norman Garcia (2002- 2007) as Chairman. It was under the leadership of Dr. Norman Garcia when newer electric microscopes and updated instructional slides and other materials changed the atmosphere in the imposing Histology laboratory.


With the generosity of the family of Dr. Leonardo Mendiola, through the efforts of his daughter, Dr. Norma Mendiola-Garcia, the “Leonardo Mendiola Hall” was conceptualized and constructed in the second floor of the Anatomy building. It is a landmark to commemorate a great teacher and anatomist par excellence. The Leonardo Mendiola Hall houses the Gross Anatomy Laboratory, together with all the useful anatomy models for direct usage of the first year students, and a lecture room with adequate audiovisual equipments.

At present, the department is being chaired by Dr. Dante P. Bornales. Curricular enhancement are now being laid to better train the students in clinically-oriented human anatomy and serve the Vision-Mission of the institution.