Montanus was born in Verona, and became a friend of the pioneering anatomist Andreas Vesalius.

[1] He introduced autopsies as a means of acquiring anatomical data, and established the first permanent anatomical theatre, where Vesalius, Gabriele Falloppio, Hieronymus Fabricius and others carried out studies.

His greatest innovation was to introduce clinical medicine into the curriculum as a way to integrate medical theory and practice.

[4] Lublinus was one of several former students who drew attention to their teacher's method by publishing his lectures and notes after his death.

The new field of clinical medicine then began to attract students from northern Europe.