Dr. P.B. Nava's Last Lecture to Loma Linda School of Medicine Students
P.B. Nava, PhD, a Loma Linda University (LLU) alum, has stepped down from teaching medical student curriculum. Nava has taught anatomy to medical students for the last 42 years and has taught anatomy at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine (LLUSM) for 53 years—teaching more than half of the medical students who have graduated from LLUSM. Student, family, fellow faculty, and alumni, surprised Nava after his final lecture to medical students, on October 29, 2025, with a much deserved celebration of his educational career. Students gave him a standing ovation at the completion of his lecture.
“I vividly remember the first lecture of Anatomy during medical school. I sat about eight rows from the front of the steeply sloped amphitheater in Shryock Hall next to two people I had just met the day before. The air was a bit stale, and the sun outside promised a hot day. The lecture started, it was about the anterior triangle of the neck, and I was lost. Anatomy was challenging for me, and throughout those long, hot days in lectures and labs, one of the touchpoints I clung to was Dr. Nava’s voice as he walked us—gently, precisely, and patiently—through the human body. No matter the many questions I had during lab, he remained relaxed and encouraging. When I struggled with the three-dimensional anatomy of the lungs in my cadaver, Dr. Nava calmly brought me over to the plastic lung model, took each lung apart, lobe by lobe, and encouraged me to put them back together. Through these experiences, Dr. Nava gave me confidence that I, too, could understand the intricacies of the human body.
Thank you, Dr. Nava, for teaching me and many others anatomy, and so much more. Thank you for sharing your love of teaching and reverence for the human body with us. Thank you for your patient explanations and your little jokes. You will be sorely missed.”
— Grace W. Oei ’04
“Dr. Nava is the kind of professor who changes lives in ways far beyond the classroom. Anatomy and physiology is often known as a soul-crushing rite of passage, but he made it feel fun, achievable, and even exciting. With his kindness, care, and effortless sense of style, he created a learning environment where students felt supported and believed in.
One moment I will always remember is when he took my friends and me out to lunch. It was such a simple gesture, but it meant so much. It showed who he truly was—someone who cared about his students not just as learners, but as people. That kindness made us feel seen and valued in a way we will never forget.
Nava didn’t just teach anatomy and physiology; he taught confidence, perseverance, and joy in learning. As he retires, I am so grateful for his mentorship and his heart. His impact will stay with me forever.”
— Jenny Jaque ’04
“On the first day of medical school, Pedro Nava stepped up to the anatomy podium and dazzled us with a bright, wide smile, quick wit, and impeccable pinstripe suits. He was ever the consummate educator. Midway through the semester, while discussing calf muscle tears, he climbed onto the podium, pulled up his right pant leg, and flashed us a glimpse of his own recently torn gastrocnemius—prompting loud wolf whistles from the lecture hall. Nava simply grinned his trademark grin and carried on lecturing. He was equal parts calm, collected, academic, and wise-cracking, mischievous charmer. To know him was to like him, respect him, and laugh with him. He lightened the mood during our first year, eased our early anxieties, and made us smile. Some of my happiest medical school memories include laughing with him in lecture, in the anatomy lab with our cadavers, and even sharing lunch with him and other students. He was always welcoming, warm, and witty.
Happy retirement, Nava. You’re still bringing joy—25 years later.”
— Shelia Hsu ’04
Published in the Spring 2026 ALUMNI JOURNAL.
