110. Robert Langer: Winner of the Charles Stark Draper Prize & History's Most Cited Engineer

Apr 9, 2024

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The world of medicine is fascinating, to say the least. To date, we’ve learned so much about the human body, how to treat it, and the various challenges we’ve encountered and will encounter in the years to come. But in reality, we’ve only scratched the surface and there’s so much more. The good news is that with each passing day, bright minds from all over the world are driving the medical profession forward.

Our guest today is one of those great minds and a true treasure in the field of medicine. Bob Langer is a professor at MIT and for more than four decades he has stood on the forefront, authoring groundbreaking discoveries that have consistently improved lives. Today, Bob sits down to discuss his journey to date, the innovative efforts he’s currently engaged in, and the advice he offers to all people regardless of their chosen profession. This is an awesome conversation with an awe-inspiring man that you definitely will want to be a part of!

In This Episode

(1:00) – Bob outlines his household and the background of his family.
(2:30) – The chemistry set was the start of something for Bob.
(3:27) – Bob discloses that he has ADD.
(5:10) – Why Bob was drawn to math.
(11:30) – The two most important things a teacher needs to know.
(14:30) – The medical interest comes from wanting to help people.
(17:39) – He attributes his teaching success to the fact that he genuinely cares.
(21:15) – Career regrets are discussed.
(22:08) – Bob and Dr. Folkman develop a revolutionary Cancer treatment.
(24:12) – The lengthy approval process of medicine is questioned and discussed.
(26:17) – Skepticism and costs in the medical community.
(30:01) – Making better liver transplants becomes a mission.
(35:02) – It’s not about how often you’re turned down, it’s about how many times you get something.
(37:02) – The value of confidence and credibility.
(41:45) – The piece of advice he always gives.

Our Guest

Bob Langer completed his undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University and obtained his Sc.D in Chemical Engineering at MIT. He joined MIT as Assistant Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry in 1978. Dr. Langer has written over 1,250 articles and also has nearly 1,050 patents worldwide. Dr. Langer’s patents have been licensed or sublicensed to over 250 pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology and medical device companies.

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Hawke Media

Bob Langer

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