Most people consider college as their passport to freedom in life. After collegiate studies most adopt a simple lifestyle, their jobs fulfilling only the needs of themselves and their families. But every now and then, outstanding people surface to fulfill not only their own needs, but of the society as well. These people go beyond the norm to serve others to the best of their abilities. Dr. Samuel Bernal, M.D., Ph.D., J.D., and M.B.A., belongs to this rare breed of people; he has made waves in the medical profession as well as in the area of intellectualism. |
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 Dr. Bernal’s beginnings were anything but modest; he graduated with a Chemistry degree from no less than the University of Illinois in 1969. After graduation, he conducted research in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and Protein Synthesis until 1974. At that year he obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemical Pathology from the University of Chicago; in 1975 he finished his medical studies and obtained his M.D.
While continuing his research on Human Biochemistry, he undertook medical specialty training in Internal Medicine at the John Hopkins Hospital, considered as one of the world’s best hospitals, from 1976 to 1979. He exhibited his passion for knowledge as he continued to learn his trade: training as fellow in Internal Medicine at Harvard Medical School, as fellow Medicine at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, and subspecialty training in Oncology (Cancer Medicine) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard.
His long years of studying earned him his laurels; he is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, and is Diplomate in American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Cancer Specialists.
Dr. Bernal never failed to impart his knowledge on aspiring young doctors, as he started his teaching stint as Instructor at Harvard Medical School. He was Assistant Professor of Medicine during 1983 to 1989. After a brief period of stay in Boston University as Associate Professor of Medicine in 1989 to 1992, he transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles. He is currently Professor Emeritus in Medicine and Director of International Biotechnology Programs of the university.
He made his mark not only on the medical field, but also in business and law. He completed his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1997 at Loyola University Law School, and he also completed his M.B.A. degree in 2000 at Pepperdine University, specializing in business strategies on biotech products.
His extensive experience in his field led him to be appointed as Special Consultant in Zila Inc., and to serve as Biotechnology Consultant in the United Nations Development Programme and the United States Information Agency. He has published books as well, like Lung Cancer Differentiation and Drug Resistance.
It is true enough that his expertise and experience had led him to success, but it is also true that he never had second thoughts of looking back at his roots. He currently maintains a strong connection with the University of the Philippines-Diliman as a Visiting Professor. With his research ideas and projects brought home from the United States, a new chapter for biotechnology in the Philippines will soon emerge.
 Outstanding people like Dr. Samuel Bernal are very hard to come by these days. His mix of experience, perseverance, and sense of service truly exemplify what it means to be a professional, be it of medicine, business, or law. And as we students here in Lauan University Center await for him to impart his knowledge to us, we hope that his work will become a model for everyone to follow.
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