Daniel M. Nathans M.D.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1978
Nobel co-recipients Werner Arber, Hamilton O. Smith
National Medal of Science - Biological Sciences 1993

Physician, Molecular Biologist - Genetics. Restriction enzymes and their application to molecular genetics. Groundwork for human genome project, drug insulin. Able administrator - high signal-to-noise ratio.

"Valuable internship year in medicine with masterful clinician Robert Loeb; The glimpses of human strength and frailty that a physician sees are still with me."

Work Environment

'Though widely acknowledged as an outstanding researcher, teacher, and mentor, Nathans was also an able administrator--thoughtful, fair, deliberate and clearheaded. One colleague noted that Nathans had "the highest signal-to-noise ratio of anyone" he'd ever known.'

"Washington University in St. Louis turned out to be a lucky choice. The faculty was scholarly and dedicated and accessible to students."

"I went to the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York for an internship in medicine with Robert Loeb, a masterful clinician and medical scientist. That was one of the most valuable years of my life. The glimpses of human strength and frailty that a physician sees are with me still."

"As I look back on the last few decades of my life, I am struck by the good fortune that came my way. Throughout my schooling there was an abundance of opportunity and encouragement. Several of my teachers were remarkable individuals who had a lasting influence on me. At every stage of my career I have had interesting and cordial colleagues, some of whom are close friends."