# Philip Showalter Hench

> American physician (1896-1965)

**Wikidata**: [Q235651](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q235651)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Showalter_Hench)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/philip-showalter-hench

## Summary
Philip Showalter Hench was an American physician and researcher renowned for his pioneering work in rheumatology and the discovery of cortisone's anti-inflammatory effects, which revolutionized the treatment of arthritis. Born in 1896, Hench's contributions earned him the 1950 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 28, 1896
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Lafayette College, University of Pittsburgh, University of Freiburg, Columbia University
- **Known for:** Discovery of cortisone's therapeutic effects
- **Employer(s):** Mayo Clinic
- **Field(s):** Medicine, Rheumatology, Endocrinology

## Contributions
- **Cortisone Discovery:** Hench led the team that discovered cortisone's efficacy in treating rheumatoid arthritis (1948–1949), a breakthrough that transformed inflammatory disease management.
- **Nobel Prize:** Awarded the 1950 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on cortisone, shared with Edward Calvin Kendall and Tadeusz Reichstein.
- **Rheumatology Advancements:** Pioneered systematic studies of arthritis, establishing foundational knowledge in rheumatology through decades of research at Mayo Clinic.

## FAQs
**What was Philip Showalter Hench's most significant discovery?**  
Hench discovered cortisone's anti-inflammatory properties, which became a cornerstone in treating arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

**Where did Hench conduct his groundbreaking research?**  
He performed his seminal work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he spent most of his career.

**What awards did Hench receive for his contributions?**  
He was awarded the 1950 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award.

**How did Hench's work impact medical practice?**  
His discovery of cortisone's therapeutic effects revolutionized treatment approaches for inflammatory diseases, significantly improving patient outcomes.

## Why They Matter
Philip Showalter Hench's discovery of cortisone's anti-inflammatory properties marked a turning point in medicine, enabling effective management of previously debilitating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. His work laid the groundwork for modern endocrinology and rheumatology, directly influencing the development of steroid therapies that remain critical in contemporary healthcare. Without Hench's contributions, the treatment landscape for inflammatory diseases would lack a fundamental therapeutic pillar.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Laureate:** 1950 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for cortisone research.
- **Lasker-DeBakey Award Recipient:** Recognized for clinical medical research excellence.
- **Rheumatology Pioneer:** Established systematic approaches to studying arthritis.
- **Mayo Clinic Legacy:** Key figure in the institution's research prominence.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Philip Showalter Hench was born on February 28, 1896. He pursued higher education at **Lafayette College**, **University of Pittsburgh**, **University of Freiburg**, and **Columbia University**, culminating in his medical training.

### Career and Research
Hench's career was defined by his tenure at the **Mayo Clinic**, where he dedicated decades to researching arthritis and inflammatory diseases. His systematic studies of rheumatoid arthritis patients laid the groundwork for modern rheumatology.

### Cortisone Breakthrough
In collaboration with **Edward Calvin Kendall**, Hench conducted experiments in 1948–1949 that demonstrated cortisone's dramatic anti-inflammatory effects. This discovery, published in 1949, revolutionized treatment protocols for inflammatory conditions.

### Awards and Recognition
- **1950 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine:** Shared with Kendall and Tadeusz Reichstein for their work on cortisone.
- **Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award:** Honored for his transformative clinical research contributions.

### Legacy and Influence
Hench's work established corticosteroids as a mainstay in medicine, profoundly impacting fields beyond rheumatology, including oncology and immunology. His rigorous clinical research methods set new standards in medical investigation, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in both endocrinology and rheumatology. The Mayo Clinic's reputation as a research leader was significantly bolstered by Hench's achievements, ensuring his influence endures in medical practice and education.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1950. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1950/summary/)
3. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
4. [Source](https://laskerfoundation.org/award/basic/)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. [Source](http://exhibits.hsl.virginia.edu/yellowfever/)
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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