Ralph I. Dorfman
Stanford University
June 30, 1911 - November 18, 1985
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Scientific Discipline: Medical Physiology and Metabolism Membership Type:
Member
(elected 1978)
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Biochemist Ralph I. Dorfman researched hormones and metabolism. His studies clarified complexities in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones such as estrogens, androgens, progesterone, and adrenocortical hormones. Dorfman combined the two steroid hormones, estrogen and progestin, which contributed to the development of the first oral contraceptives, or birth control pills. His work also determined that cholesterol was an essential intermediate in the formation of corticoids. In 1964, Dorfman became the director of the Institute of Hormone Biology at the Syntex Corporation, a renowned pharmaceutical company. He continued to rise through the ranks of the organization, and from 1973 to 1976, he served as the president of the research branch of Syntex.
Dorfman received his B.S. degree in 1932 from the University of Illinois. He earned his Ph.D. in pharmacology and physiological chemistry from the University of Chicago in 1934. After graduating, he taught pharmacology, biochemistry, and physiological chemistry at several institutions including Yale University (1931-1941), Louisiana State University (1935-1939), Boston University (1951-1967), and Clark University (1956-1964). Dorfman was the director of the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology (1951-1964) while he was teaching at Clark University.
