You may know Joseph Erlanger as a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, a pioneer in understanding how nerves transmit information, and a leader in physiological research. But do you know the man behind the medal?
I’m Dorothy Erlanger, his granddaughter— And I’m bringing his legacy to life in a way that
connects, educates, and inspires.
𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗘𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿?
𝗛𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹. 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.
Joseph Erlanger wasn’t born into wealth or prestige. He was born to immigrant parents in San Francisco, was in the third graduating class of Johns Hopkins Medical School—eventually leading the Physiology Department at Washington University for over 40 years.
In 1944, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for identifying/proving that not all nerve fibers are alike—and that their differences determine how our bodies sense pain, temperature, touch, and reflexes. In other words: how we feel.
5 Timeless Lessons from a Nobel Legacy
How Dr. Joseph Erlanger’s groundbreaking path can guide your own journey in science, innovation and leadership
Short, memorable insights rooted in Erlanger’s Nobel story that willl inspire physiology and medical students (and their faculty).
5 Timeless Lessons from a Nobel Legacy
These five timeless lessons can guide your own journey in the lab, classroom, or leadership.
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Dorothy's Message is Personal, Powerful, and Perfect for Schools
Dorothy is embarking on a nationwide speaking tour, engaging with students, faculty, and APS chapters across America. She will present at the APS Summit in Baltimore, sharing exclusive insights into the Nobel Prize legacy, and she wants to bring this powerful message to your school.
Would you like your students to learn about perseverance, leadership, and the mindset that drives world-changing discoveries?
Joseph Erlanger didn’t work alone—he and his colleagues formed the ultimate mastermind group, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in medical science.
His story teaches students that:
✅ Research is about asking the right questions
✅ Testing and failure are part of success
✅ Collaboration leads to groundbreaking discoveries
Your students will see that success isn’t just talent, but persistence and collaboration.
Joseph Erlanger’s story bridges medicine, innovation, and the importance of teamwork.
Don’t miss this chance to inspire the next generation with a story of scientific breakthroughs, relentless determination, and the power of legacy.
Schedule a No-Obligation Call
Schedule a call today to explore how your school can host this transformative event!
Let’s inspire the future together.
𝗪𝗵𝗼 i𝘀 Dorothy 𝗘𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿?
Award-winning global speaker and Peak Performance Expert. Inspiring the next generation with stories of scientific breakthroughs, the underlying relentless determination, and the power of legacy.
Dorothy Erlanger is an Ironman® triathlete, cancer survivor, and global speaker who brings a lifetime of resilience and bold action to every stage she steps on. Through powerful, relatable storytelling, Dorothy inspires today’s audiences with timeless messages applied to overcoming challenges today.
Her university speaking tour brings to life the Nobel legacy of Dr. Joseph Erlanger—her grandfather—connecting his amazing story with today’s challenges in science, leadership, and perseverance. This isn’t just about discovery; it’s about daring choices, a vision that changed medical history, and the drive to make an impact. Dorothy helps students and professionals see what’s possible—in research, teaching and in life.
