Edward Adelbert Doisy Autograph

Profession:
(1893-1986) American biochemist - he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1943 with Henrik Dam for their discovery of vitamin K (K from "Koagulations-Vitamin" in German) and its chemical structure.

Year of Birth: 1893

Edward Adelbert Doisy was an American biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the study of hormones. He was born on November 13, 1893, in Hume, Illinois. Doisy was interested in science from a young age and went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in 1914 from the University of Illinois. He then pursued his graduate studies at Harvard University, where he earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1920.

Doisy's most notable discovery came in 1929 when he isolated a compound called estrone, one of the estrogens produced by the ovaries. This work led to the development of medical treatments for various hormone-related disorders. For this groundbreaking research, Doisy was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1943, alongside Henrik Dam.

Throughout his career, Doisy taught biochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, where he became a professor in 1923. He also served as the head of the Department of Biochemistry from 1923 to 1940 and as the Dean of the Washington University School of Medicine from 1940 to 1951.

In addition to his work with hormones, Doisy also made significant contributions to the understanding of vitamin K. He played a key role in discovering the structure and function of the vitamin, which is essential for blood clotting. His research helped lay the foundation for the development of blood-thinning medications and treatments for clotting disorders.

Doisy's contributions to the field of biochemistry were widely recognized. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Medal of Science in 1967. He continued to conduct research and teach until his death on October 23, 1986, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of medicine.

Edward Adelbert Doisy's pioneering work in hormone research and his important discoveries in the field of biochemistry have had a profound impact on the medical community. His dedication to scientific inquiry and his passion for teaching have inspired countless researchers to further our understanding of the human body and its intricate workings.