John B. De C.M. Saunders, M.D.

Chancellor 1964-1966

John B. De C. M. Saunders, M.D., served as UCSF's first chancellor. Associated with UCSF for 60 years, Dr. Saunders was instrumental in raising a prominent local institution to a world-renowned medical center. In 1931, he came to UCSF as an anatomy professor and then chair of the department from 1938-1956. He also served as chair of the History of the Health Sciences department from 1942-1975, dean of the School of Medicine from 1956-63, University Librarian from 1943-1971, and the first UCSF provost from 1958-1964, before his appointment as chancellor. He continued teaching and advising after the chancellorship.

Dr. Saunders was a member of the San Francisco Medical Society for 52 years, and served on many of its committees and on the California Medical Association (CMA) Scientific Board. He was a CMA delegate for 18 years, during his tenure as dean and chancellor.

Dr. Saunders authored more than 120 scientific publications on anatomy, surgery, orthopaedics, and medical history, most notably works on Andreas Vesalius and the classic 1952 "Leonardo da Vinci, on the Human Body."

Dr. Saunders won numerous awards for research on a wide range of problems. His work included studies in embryology on the structure of development of bones, the physiology of muscles and the mechanics of movement, and participation in the development of new surgical procedures, especially in orthopaedic and general surgery.