Harold Varmus
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Harold Varmus was born on December 18, 1939, in New York, USA. He is of Jewish descent. His paternal grandfather immigrated from Poland at a young age in search of work. His father, Frank Varmus, was a physician, while his mother, Beatrice, worked as a social worker.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 18 Dec, 1939
- Age
- 80 yrs
- Occupations
- Virologist
Physician
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- Citizenship
- United States of America
- Birth Place
- Oceanside
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- American scientist
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Early Education and Academic Interests
Varmus was an accomplished student from a young age. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1957. Initially drawn to literature, he pursued a master’s degree in English literature at Harvard University. However, during his time there, his interest in science grew significantly, leading him to redirect his academic and professional ambitions toward medicine.
Medical Training and Transition to Science
Despite his academic background in the humanities, Varmus decided to pursue a career in medicine. He was not admitted to Harvard Medical School due to his lack of formal coursework in science. Subsequently, he enrolled at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he earned his MD degree.
Early Medical Career and Entry into Research
Varmus began his medical career with an internship at a U.S. Public Health Service hospital, which provided him with initial hands-on clinical experience. In 1966, he returned to New York and worked at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital for a brief period before joining the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as part of the Public Health Service.
