Real doctors, real people – Oliver Smithies
Nobel Prize scientist Oliver Smithies is known for this research. But outside the lab, Smithies is a pilot.
Note: “Real doctors, real people – Oliver Smithies” was originally published by UNC Health Care on September 11, 2013.
Oliver Smithies’ career as a scientist is amazing. He won the Nobel Prize for his research in gene modification. What you may not know is that since he was a child, he’s been enthralled with flying.
Of particular interest is the glider plane, where the idea is not to reach a certain destination but to enjoy floating on currents and taking in the view from above.
Not without a set of risks and rewards, Smithies draws an interesting comparison between flying a glider and scientific research, particularly the work that led to his 2007 Nobel Prize.
So in the vein of floating and taking in your surroundings, sit back and enjoy this month’s episode of real doctors, real people.