Elliot Vesell

Elliot Vesell

Born	August 24, 1933
Birth place	New York City, New York, USA
Died	July 23, 2018
Place of death	Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
Nationality	American
Known for	Founding Chair of the Department of Pharmacology at Penn State College of Medicine

Elliot S. Vesell (August 24, 1933 – July 23, 2018) was a pioneering American pharmacologist and the founding chair of the Department of Pharmacology at the Penn State College of Medicine. His research significantly advanced the understanding of pharmacogenetics, the study of how genetic variation affects an individual's response to drugs.

Early Life and Education

Elliot Vesell was born in New York City, New York. He attended Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1954. He continued his education at Harvard, obtaining his medical degree in 1958. Vesell completed his residency at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston and furthered his training in pharmacology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Career

In 1968, Vesell became the founding chair of the Department of Pharmacology at the newly established Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, the department grew into a leading center for pharmacological research and education.

Vesell's research focused on pharmacogenetics, a field that examines the role of genetic factors in drug response. His work helped to elucidate how genetic differences among individuals can influence the metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity of medications. This research has had profound implications for personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored to an individual's genetic profile.

Contributions to Pharmacology

Vesell published over 350 scientific papers and was a frequent speaker at international conferences. His work laid the groundwork for the development of personalized medicine, emphasizing the importance of considering genetic variability in drug development and therapy.

He was also a dedicated educator, mentoring numerous students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and government.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Vesell received numerous awards and honors, including the Rawls-Palmer Progress in Medicine Award from the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. He was also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Personal Life

Elliot Vesell was married and had two children. He was known for his passion for classical music and was an accomplished pianist.

Legacy

Vesell's contributions to pharmacology and medicine have had a lasting impact on the field. His pioneering work in pharmacogenetics continues to influence research and clinical practice, paving the way for more effective and individualized treatments.

Also see

• Pharmacogenetics
• Personalized medicine
• Penn State College of Medicine
• Harvard University