On the shoulder of giants: A brief early history of leadership in the Department of Physiology of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine

A walk through our beloved Salcedo Hall, a pre-war era behemoth completed in 1927, allows glimpses of a reinvigorated past full of legacies left by our department’s forefathers. From Colonial to Post-war eras, those at the helm of the department have distinguished themselves in both realms of clinical medicine and scientific research. Beginning with studies on nutrition during the American period to the post-war introduction of innovative courses in medical training, each Chair directed efforts towards the relevant public health issues during their time. Now in our 70th year as a standalone department and the 2023 recipient of the Silver Cup for the Basic Sciences, Physiology remains formidable in the College of Medicine. With its newly modernized teaching and laboratory facilities, and recent reinfusion of new faculty, the department shall carry on its time honored tradition of excellence in education and research towards achieving optimal healthcare for all.