Division of anatomy

Faculty - Paul McMillan, PhD

Trained as a biochemist at Loma Linda University and histochemist at National Institutes of Health, I have worked in the field of anatomy since 1960. From the beginning it was my desire to encourage and contribute to the application of quantitative morphology to the study of anatomy. As a result, my work today continues in the tradition of chemistry and stereology. Histochemical methods are used to reveal tissue organization, and as much as possible, objective and quantitative methods are used to analyze the results. As a member of the International Society for Stereology, I organized the Eighth International Congress that was held in 1991 at Irvine, California. My research focuses on bone biology and currently that consists of the investigation of the microvasculature, especially that serving remodeling sites in compact bone.

Since 1991 I have provided image analysis support for students and faculty who desire quantitative morphological data. This includes the writing of Visual Basic application programs based on Image-Pro software. I have also created Mentor, a Windows-based program for student self-assessment and instruction. This has been used to create Histology Mentor that is available from the division of anatomy. My CD on basic histology was published during the year 2000 by Ward's Natural Science Establishment, Inc. I have introduced the use of exhibits for histology laboratory instruction (Anatomical Record/The New Anatomist October 2001). Students visit the exhibit asynchronously where micrographs of the exhibited slides guide them in their study. During the Summer of 2001 Daniel Buxton helped in the development of several sets of Virtual Histology Slides. These provide supplemental study materials for students at Loma Linda University.

In 1999 I began the development of a study aid based on essay-type questions. The questions were designed to focus the student's attention on the most basic terms and concepts in histology. To facilitate the student's efforts brief answers for each question, including a labeled line drawing when required, were provided. When an index was made for this study resource it came to be known as a "Histology Glossary". More than 1000 terms and concepts are included in this database. Since the Fall of 2001 it has been prepared to be accessible with a web browser. Since the questions are now linked not only to the suggested answers but also to appropriate portions of my histology syllabus it is now being called "Basic Histology Mentor" and is freely available on the Internet. I believe it will be found useful both in the primary study of histology and in its review.

As of September 2001 my involvement with the anatomy program has been reduced. However, I will continue to teach in histology and add to the collection of Virtual Histology slides. Over the years it has been my privilege to counsel and guide many students in their study of anatomy and to see them take their place in various biomedical professions. As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian I take seriously my commitment to Jesus Christ and His concern for our world and the people in it. Now that I am no longer full time at the University much of my extracurricular time is devoted to serving the congregation with whom I worship and in inviting others to share in the freedom that Jesus gives. I find as much pleasure and relaxation in enjoying the beauties of God's creation as I do in the study of a beautifully prepared histological section.

Curriculum vitae

[Top]