# Frederick Banting > Canadian medical scientist and doctor (1891-1941) **Wikidata**: [Q180350](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180350) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Banting) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frederick-banting ## Summary Frederick Banting was a Canadian medical scientist and physician best known for co-discovering insulin in 1921, a breakthrough that revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and saved millions of lives. His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923, making him one of Canada's most celebrated scientists. ## Biography - **Born**: November 14, 1891 - **Nationality**: Canadian - **Education**: University of Toronto, Western University - **Known for**: Co-discovery of insulin, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1923) - **Employer(s)**: University of Toronto, Hospital for Sick Children - **Field(s)**: Medicine, physiology, pharmacology ## Contributions Frederick Banting's most significant contribution was the co-discovery of insulin in 1921, alongside Charles Best and under the supervision of John Macleod. This discovery transformed diabetes from a fatal condition to a manageable disease, saving countless lives. Banting also served in World War I as a medical officer, earning the Military Cross for his bravery. His work extended to research in aviation medicine, where he investigated the physiological challenges of high-altitude flight. Additionally, Banting was involved in the study of cancer and silicosis, contributing to broader medical knowledge. ## FAQs **What is Frederick Banting best known for?** Frederick Banting is best known for co-discovering insulin in 1921, which revolutionized diabetes treatment and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923. **Where did Frederick Banting study?** Banting studied at the University of Toronto and Western University, where he pursued his medical education and research. **What awards did Frederick Banting receive?** Banting received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Military Cross for his service in World War I, and the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He was also inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. **What was Frederick Banting's role in World War I?** During World War I, Banting served as a medical officer and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery and service. **What other fields did Frederick Banting contribute to?** Beyond his work on insulin, Banting contributed to research in aviation medicine, cancer, and silicosis, expanding his impact on medical science. ## Why They Matter Frederick Banting's discovery of insulin fundamentally changed the treatment of diabetes, transforming it from a deadly disease to a manageable condition. His work has saved millions of lives worldwide and laid the foundation for modern endocrinology. Banting's contributions to medical research, including his studies on aviation medicine and cancer, further demonstrate his broad impact on science and medicine. His legacy continues to inspire medical researchers and has cemented his place as one of Canada's most influential scientists. ## Notable For - Co-discovering insulin in 1921 - Winning the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923 - Receiving the Military Cross for his service in World War I - Being knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire - Induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and the National Inventors Hall of Fame - Contributions to aviation medicine and research on cancer and silicosis ## Body ### Early Life and Education Frederick Banting was born on November 14, 1891, in Canada. He pursued his medical education at the University of Toronto and Western University, where he developed a strong foundation in medicine and research. ### Discovery of Insulin In 1921, Banting, along with Charles Best and under the supervision of John Macleod, made the groundbreaking discovery of insulin. This discovery was a turning point in the treatment of diabetes, allowing patients to manage their condition effectively. The significance of this work was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923. ### Military Service During World War I, Banting served as a medical officer. His bravery and dedication earned him the Military Cross, highlighting his commitment to service and medicine. ### Research and Contributions Beyond his work on insulin, Banting contributed to various fields of medical research. He studied aviation medicine, investigating the physiological effects of high-altitude flight. Additionally, he conducted research on cancer and silicosis, further expanding his impact on medical science. ### Awards and Recognition Banting received numerous accolades throughout his career. In addition to the Nobel Prize, he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He was also inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and the National Inventors Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to medicine and science. ### Legacy Frederick Banting's legacy is marked by his transformative discovery of insulin and his broader contributions to medical research. His work has had a lasting impact on the treatment of diabetes and has inspired generations of medical researchers. Banting's dedication to science and medicine continues to be celebrated, making him one of Canada's most influential figures in medical history. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Find a Grave 3. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1923. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1923/summary/) 4. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf) 5. [Laureates of The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame](http://www.cdnmedhall.org/laureates) 6. National Inventors Hall of Fame 7. Commonwealth War Graves Commission database 8. [Source](https://thejohnscottaward.github.io/jsc/1901-1950.html) 9. Plarr's Lives of the Fellows 10. [Source](https://www.cma.ca/get-involved/awards/fng-starr-award) 11. International Standard Name Identifier 12. Virtual International Authority File 13. [Source](https://discoverarchives.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/frederick-banting-papers) 14. SNAC 15. Dictionary of Canadian Biography 16. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 17. BnF authorities 18. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana 19. Croatian Encyclopedia 20. Base biographique 21. Munk's Roll 22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 23. nobelprize.org 24. Czech National Authority Database 25. LIBRIS. 2018