Employment History:

Published Works:
Mr. Jensen has conducted a research on breast cancer medicine called Tamoxifen with Craig Jordan. He is also the author of 240 publications.

Public Speaking Experience:

Why He is an Expert:
He has 57 years of professional experience. Early in his career, in the 1950s, Mr. Jensen was credited for discovering the estrogen receptor, a breakthrough that forever changed the way researchers study steroid hormones and nuclear receptors. His work speaks volumes about the importance of taking alternative approaches to research. “[An alternative approach] is how we discovered the receptor in the first place,” he recalls.

Best Advice:
“If you’re having problems, don’t just try and improve what isn’t working – think of a new approach.”

Passionate about:

Biography Excerpt:
Dr. Elwood V. Jensen received an honorary MD in 1995 from the University of Hamburg, an honorary doctor of science in 1963 from Wittenberg University and a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1944 from The University of Chicago. After conducting co-research with stem cell researcher Craig Jordan, Dr. Jensen co-introduced Tamoxifen to the breast cancer population in the 1980s. Tamoxifen impedes and prevents the growth of breast cancer cells that are present in the body. The medication stops the cancer-causing effects of estrogen from promoting the extra growth of cancer cells. The drug will also help thwart a return of the original breast cancer while preventing growth in the other breast of new cancers. Dr. Jensen’s efforts paved the way for future breast cancer detection treatments.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: How specifically did you arrive at this alternative approach?  
ELWOOD V JENSEN :  In 1947, I spent a year [in Switzerland] learning about steroid hormones after [World War II]. I was too old to go to medical school after the war. I had a family and two children. During the war, I worked on chemical warfare and poison gas and got interested in biological things. In 1947, we had a wonderful year in Zurich. I, as a novice, climbed the Matterhorn. Although I didn’t have experience, I was in company with another student who was from Colorado. [He] was experienced and [became] the guide. I became fascinated with the Matterhorn, looking at it. It was the hardest thing, physically, I ever did in my life.

What makes you a valuable resource in your industry?
I keep bringing in new ideas to the field from chemistry. I raise the visibility as well, in terms of attracting students and grants. I’m the only member of the National Academy on the faculty of this medical school. We should have four or five more that are qualified and I’m trying to get them in.