Philip Showalter Hench

MedicineNobelBack

Philip Showalter Hench (February 28, 1896 – March 30, 1965) was an American physician and endocrinologist who, together with his colleagues Edward Calvin Kendall and Tadeus Reichstein, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1950 for their discoveries relating to the hormones of the adrenal cortex, their structure, and their biological effects.

Early Life and Education

Philip Showalter Hench was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he developed an interest in biology and chemistry. After completing his bachelor's degree, Hench went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he received his M.D. in 1920. Following his graduation, Hench furthered his medical training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he would spend the majority of his professional career.

Career and Research

Hench began his career at the Mayo Clinic as a rheumatologist, focusing on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It was during this time that he developed an interest in the body's adaptation to illnesses and the role of natural steroid hormones in reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

In the early 1940s, Hench, along with his colleague Edward Calvin Kendall, began investigating the effects of the adrenal cortex hormones on rheumatoid arthritis. This collaboration led to the isolation of cortisone, a steroid hormone that proved effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. The discovery of cortisone was a significant breakthrough in medicine, offering relief to millions of patients suffering from debilitating joint diseases.

Nobel Prize

In 1950, Philip Showalter Hench, along with Edward Calvin Kendall and Tadeus Reichstein, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on the adrenal cortex hormones, particularly cortisone. Their research not only opened new avenues for the treatment of inflammatory diseases but also laid the groundwork for the development of synthetic steroids.

Later Life and Legacy

After receiving the Nobel Prize, Hench continued his research at the Mayo Clinic, exploring the potential of other steroids in treating diseases. He remained active in the medical community, contributing to numerous scientific publications and serving on various medical and scientific committees.

Philip Showalter Hench passed away on March 30, 1965. His legacy is remembered for his contributions to the field of endocrinology and his role in the discovery of cortisone, which revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

See Also

• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Adrenal cortex
• Cortisone
• Rheumatoid arthritis