He’s a living legend. Yet, most people at UNMC have no idea who he is.
Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D., is now 94 years old. He still comes to work at least four days a week — even though he no longer can drive.
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Tom O’Connor |
Who would ever know that the man has been nominated six times for the Nobel Prize?
Dr. Harman is known internationally as the Father of the Free Radical Theory of Aging. He developed the theory in 1954 as a fellow in the Donner Laboratories at the University of California-Berkeley.
The theory suggests that aging is caused by free radicals, atoms or molecules we produce ourselves or which come from radiation in the air. At first, the theory was scoffed at by the scientific community. But, over time, it has gained acceptance.
Dr. Harman also proposed that you can slow the aging process by taking antioxidant vitamins such as E, C and beta carotene. The antioxidants limit the damage produced by free radicals.
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UNMC’s Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D., right, shown here with the late legendary surgeon Michael DeBakey, M.D., has been nominated for the Nobel Prize six times for his Free Radical Theory on Aging. |
A lifelong runner and tennis player, Dr. Harman experienced a setback six years ago when he suffered a ruptured appendix. These days, bent over at the waist, he can only shuffle his way for short distances behind his walker.
But, he keeps on plugging.
“His work is his hobby,” said his wife, Helen. “He’s in his own environment.”
His boss in internal medicine, Lyn Klassen, M.D., sings Dr. Harman’s praises.
“He is one of the few clinician-scientists who developed a truly unique and original idea, confirmed the concept through rigorous experimentation and had his hypothesis accepted worldwide,” Dr. Klassen said. “He has made us proud.”
Consumed by his quest to solve the mysteries of aging, Dr. Harman continues to publish scientific articles and review manuscripts.
For 52 years, he has graced the halls of UNMC. Nobel Prize or not, he’s one amazing guy and a testimony to his theory.
Dr. Harman is a unique and interesting person, a friend who is an unrecognized genius. Some time ago after visiting with Dr. Harman for over 2 hours, I went home and Goggled "Harman & radicals", 8 of the first 10 hits were "Denham." I realized that I had a 1:1 conversation that many graduate students would love to have had. I accompany him on his walk to the DRC for most of the Internal Medicine Grand Rounds. Like the Postal Service, Denham does not let the snow, rain or gloom of day interfere with his attendance. I am thankful for friends such as Dr. Harman and his wife Helen.
Dan McQuade
ITS Video Service