Albert Lasker
Clinical Medical Research Award

Acceptance Remarks by Raymond Ahlquist

Thank you!

First, I must acknowledge my debt to three people: Dr. Robert A. Woodbury, my chief at the time I started these studies; the late Dr. William F. Hamilton, who sponsored publication of my results; and the late Dr. Bernard Levy, my student, colleague, and friend. An idea, a sponsor, and a true believer are necessary for the birth, nurture and growth of knowledge in biomedical sciences. One new basic idea, for whatever reason put forth, generates other ideas, other information, and other clinically useful drugs or procedures. From adrenergic receptors invented to help teaching has come an important new treatment for hypertension. Unfortunately in the United States this has taken 29 years. This is too long!

Is there anything we can do about this? First, consider new ideas with an open mind. Remember that ideas that do not fit with our present concepts are not necessarily wrong. Second, remember that the United States is not the only place in the world where good research, basic and clinical, is carried out. Finally, remember that the public is willing to accept the fact that all drugs have some risk. The assessment of the benefit to risk factor cannot be a political decision.

The ideas, concepts and drugs for which Dr. Black and I are being honored today have been through this mill. We can hope that other beta-blocking agents and other new clinical uses will have an easier time.