As an undergraduate at Amherst College, I was devoted to Dickensian novels and antiestablishment journalism while marginally fulfilling premedical requirements. Harold E. Varmus amherstantiestablishmentcollege Change image and share on social
I was born in the shadow of World War II, on December 18, 1939, on the South Shore of Long Island, a product of the early -wentieth-century emigration of Eastern European Jewry to New York City and its environs. Harold E. Varmus bearcenturycity share on social
Tobacco, UV rays, viruses, heredity, and age are the main causes of cancer. Harold E. Varmus agecancerheredity Change image and share on social
Just after graduation in 1966, like many of my contemporaries, I applied for research training at the National Institutes of Health. Perhaps because his wife was a poet, Ira Pastan agreed to take me into his laboratory, despite my lack of scientific credentials. Harold E. Varmus agreeapplycontemporary share on social
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. Harold E. Varmus behavioralbreakthroughday share on social
A major feature of life at the NIH in late 1960s was the extraordinary offering of evening courses for physicians attempting to become scientists as they neared thirty. Harold E. Varmus 1960sattemptcourse Change image and share on social
I had learned of Gertrude Stein's 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. Harold E. Varmus academicbondisease share on social
I saw my friends in medical school seeming to be more engaged with the real world. That provoked a sort of jealousy, and I decided to go to medical school after all. Harold E. Varmus decideengagefriend Change image and share on social
Some growths can be detected early, making for increased accuracy in diagnosis. Some can be cured and others controlled. Harold E. Varmus accuracycontrolcure Change image and share on social
When I was the NIH director, I often expressed envy of institute directors: they had the money and ran the scientific programmes. Harold E. Varmus directorenvyexpress Change image and share on social
