Joseph Murray

Date of Birth: April 1, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 26, 2012

Biography

Joseph Edward Murray was an American plastic surgeon and a pioneering scientist in the field of organ transplantation. Born on April 1, 1919, in Milford, Massachusetts, Murray made history by performing the world’s first successful kidney transplant in 1954. This groundbreaking operation was carried out between identical twins, which significantly reduced the risk of organ rejection. Murray’s work in transplantation immunology earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990, shared with E. Donnall Thomas. Murray’s educational journey began with a degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 1940, followed by a medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1943. His career was notably influenced by his service as a U.S. Army surgeon during World War II, where he treated soldiers with severe burns, further honing his skills in reconstructive surgery. After the war, Murray became a key figure at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (now Brigham and Women’s Hospital) in Boston, where he continued to innovate in the field of transplantation. His contributions extended beyond the operating room; he was deeply involved in research and teaching, authoring numerous scientific papers and mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Joseph Murray passed away on November 26, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that transformed modern medicine and gave hope to countless patients with organ failure.

5 Interesting Facts about Joseph Murray

1. Joseph Murray performed the first successful human kidney transplant on December 23, 1954.

2. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990.

3. Murray served as a U.S. Army surgeon during World War II, which influenced his career in reconstructive surgery.

4. He authored an autobiography titled “Surgery Of The Soul: Reflections on a Curious Career” published in 2001.

5. Murray’s pioneering work laid the foundation for the development of immunosuppressive drugs.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joseph Murray

1. “Service to society is the rent we pay for living on this planet.”

2. “My life is a gift, not an achievement.”

3. “The only reward I ever wanted was to be able to continue the work.”

4. “I think the human spirit is one of the most powerful things in the world.”

5. “Science is the only truth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Joseph Murray’s net worth is not publicly documented, but his highest professional acclaim came in the form of the Nobel Prize and his contributions to medical science.

Children

Joseph Murray and his wife, Virginia Link, had six children: three sons and three daughters. Their names are John, Virginia, Richard, Joseph, William, and Nancy.