Paving the way for women in science: Nobel Laureate Gertrude Elion

Gertrude Elion (1918-1999) received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1988, one of the few women to receive the honor. Her pioneering work included the first chemotherapy drug for childhood leukemia; laying the groundwork for the AZT drug for AIDS; and creating both the first successful anti-viral medication and the first effective immunosuppressant for organ transplants. Her tenacity and desire to help others motivated her to overcome the anti-Semitism and gender discrimination she faced among aca

Gertrude Elion (1918-1999) received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1988, one of the few women to receive the honor. Her pioneering work included the first chemotherapy drug for childhood leukemia; laying the groundwork for the AZT drug for AIDS; and creating both the first successful anti-viral medication and the first effective immunosuppressant for organ transplants. Her tenacity and desire to help others motivated her to overcome the anti-Semitism and gender discrimination she faced among aca…