Division of anatomy

Faculty - Pedro B. (Ben) Nava, PhD, MS

I was awarded a PhD degree in anatomy at Loma Linda University in 1973. After two years of postdoctoral training (1974-1976) at the University of Pennsylvania, I joined the anatomy faculty at Loma Linda University. My love for teaching and students has prompted me to serve several classes as class sponsor in both the School of Medicine and Dentistry.

In recognition of this service, I received the Walter E. Macpherson Society Teacher of the Year award on two occasions, 1993 and 1998, and the Thomas and Violet Zapara Distinguished Undergraduate teaching award in 1997. Over the years I have served on numerous committees--some as many as 30 years. Some of these include School of Medicine and Dentistry admissions, Interschool Faculty Advisory Council, Carroll S. Small Committee for Faculty Recruitment, Problem-based Learning Organizing Committee, Basic Science Faculty Advisory Council Chair, 1996, and search committees.

My research on diabetes and sensory systems has led to a number of publications and to serve on the committees of 11 graduate students. I have mentored two students who were awarded PhD degrees and three who received MS degrees. As chair of the division of anatomy since 1994, I have led out in the revisions of courses taught by the division in response to major changes in both the School of Medicine and Dentistry curricula. In addition, new research facilities have been acquired to house the research activities of new and younger faculty members.