Charles Best (medical scientist)

Charles Best (February 27, 1899 – March 31, 1978) was a Canadian medical scientist and one of the co-discoverers of insulin.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Best was born in West Pembroke, Maine, to Canadian parents. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in 1921. He then went on to earn a master's degree in physiology and biochemistry from the same university in 1922.

Career[edit | edit source]

Best is best known for his work with Frederick Banting on the discovery of insulin. This work began in 1921 when Banting came to Best's professor, John James Rickard Macleod, with the idea to isolate the internal secretion of the pancreas. Best and Banting worked together in the laboratory, leading to the discovery of insulin.

Best also made significant contributions to the development of the anticoagulant heparin and the discovery of the vitamin choline.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Best's work has had a profound impact on the treatment of diabetes. His discovery of insulin has saved countless lives and continues to be a cornerstone of diabetes treatment. He has received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to medicine and science, including the Order of Canada.