HE

Harold E. Varmus

35quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Harold E. Varmus is a renowned American physician and molecular biologist.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on December 18, 1939; still active in the scientific community as of 2023.

Nationality and Profession(s)


American, Physician, Molecular Biologist

Early Life and Background


Harold E. Varmus was born to a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York. His interest in science developed at an early age, which eventually led him to pursue a career in medicine. He received his undergraduate degree from Amherst College in 1961 and later earned his M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in 1964.

Major Accomplishments


Varmus's groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of cancer biology. His contributions include the discovery of the first oncogene, src, which paved the way for future research on cancer-causing genes. In addition to his scientific achievements, Varmus served as the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from 2010 until 2015.

Notable Works or Actions


Varmus's work has been characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, combining molecular biology and medicine to tackle complex questions in cancer research. His commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible to a broader audience is evident through his numerous publications and public outreach efforts. As the Director of the NCI, he played a crucial role in shaping national cancer research policy.

Impact and Legacy


Varmus's work has had a profound impact on our understanding of cancer biology. His discovery of oncogenes has led to significant advances in targeted therapies and personalized medicine. Moreover, his leadership at the NCI has fostered collaborations between scientists and clinicians, promoting a more integrated approach to cancer research.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Harold E. Varmus is widely quoted and remembered for his contributions to our understanding of cancer biology and his commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible to all. His leadership at the NCI has had a lasting impact on national cancer research policy, and his work continues to inspire new generations of scientists and clinicians working towards finding effective treatments for cancer.

Throughout his career, Varmus has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science. These include the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1989) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2010), among others.

Quotes by Harold E. Varmus

Every cancer looks different. Every cancer has similarities to other cancers. And we're trying to milk those differences and similarities to do a better job of predicting how things are going to work out and making new drugs.
"
Every cancer looks different. Every cancer has similarities to other cancers. And we're trying to milk those differences and similarities to do a better job of predicting how things are going to work out and making new drugs.
HE
I begin with the premise that behavior is an incredibly important element in medicine. People's habits, their willingness to quit smoking, their willingness to take steps to avoid transmission of HIV, are all behavioral questions.
"
I begin with the premise that behavior is an incredibly important element in medicine. People's habits, their willingness to quit smoking, their willingness to take steps to avoid transmission of HIV, are all behavioral questions.
HE
I had learned of Gertrude Steins bon mot that medicine opened all doors. This prompted me, in different moods, to view my future life as literary psychiatrist, globe-trotting tropical disease specialist, or academic internist.
"
I had learned of Gertrude Steins bon mot that medicine opened all doors. This prompted me, in different moods, to view my future life as literary psychiatrist, globe-trotting tropical disease specialist, or academic internist.
HE
#views
A cancer is not simply a lung cancer. It doesn't simply have a certain kind of appearance under the microscope or a certain behavior, but it also has a set of changes in the genes or in the molecules that modify gene behavior that allows us to categorize cancers in ways that is very useful in thinking about new ways to control cancer by prevention and treatment.
"
A cancer is not simply a lung cancer. It doesn't simply have a certain kind of appearance under the microscope or a certain behavior, but it also has a set of changes in the genes or in the molecules that modify gene behavior that allows us to categorize cancers in ways that is very useful in thinking about new ways to control cancer by prevention and treatment.
HE
#cancer
There are three great themes in science in the twentieth century : the atom, the computer, and the gene.
"
There are three great themes in science in the twentieth century : the atom, the computer, and the gene.
HE
#atoms
I keep encouraging the pharmaceutical companies to put more money into R&D.
"
I keep encouraging the pharmaceutical companies to put more money into R&D.
HE
#money
When I read about genetics, I see breakthroughs every day. And while I'm trying to learn more about behavioral science, I must say that I don't feel I get tremendous intellectual stimulation from most of the things I read.
"
When I read about genetics, I see breakthroughs every day. And while I'm trying to learn more about behavioral science, I must say that I don't feel I get tremendous intellectual stimulation from most of the things I read.
HE
#behavioral
The public schools I attended were dominated by athletics and rarely inspiring intellectually, but I enjoyed a small circle of interesting friends despite my ineptitude at team sports and my preference for reading.
"
The public schools I attended were dominated by athletics and rarely inspiring intellectually, but I enjoyed a small circle of interesting friends despite my ineptitude at team sports and my preference for reading.
HE
#athletics
When high school students ask to spend their afternoons and weekends in my laboratory, I am amazed: I didn't develop that kind of enthusiasm for science until I was 28 years old.
"
When high school students ask to spend their afternoons and weekends in my laboratory, I am amazed: I didn't develop that kind of enthusiasm for science until I was 28 years old.
HE
#ask
From some dilatory reading in the early 1960s, I knew enough about viruses and their association with tumors in animals to understand that they might provide a relatively simple entry into a problem as complex as cancer.
"
From some dilatory reading in the early 1960s, I knew enough about viruses and their association with tumors in animals to understand that they might provide a relatively simple entry into a problem as complex as cancer.
HE
#animals
Showing 1 to 10 of 35 results