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by Dawn Brazell, Special to The Catalyst

It's both good and bad that Ralph Hirschmann's professorship at MUSC will end this year. 

Bad that the university will lose an internationally famous biochemist whose quiet-spoken, gentlemanly manner has won the hearts of many university people. But good in that Hirschmann accomplished one of the main reasons he was brought on board at MUSC as university professor of biomedical research in 1987. 

He definitely has left his mark. One is the establishment of an endowed chair—the Ralph F. Hirschmann Professorship of Basic Biomedical Science, now occupied by Yusuf A. Hannun, M.D., chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular biology. Hannun says Hirschmann developed a deep understanding of the university's strengths and weaknesses. 

“He was one of the very few key players from the outside who has supported and guided the development of basic research on campus... His influence has been absolutely necessary and important.” 

Hirschmann, 77, is the Makineni professor of bioorganic chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. He has a long string of honors, including the 1999 Smissman Bristol-Myers Squibb Award in Medicinal Chemistry, and the 1999 National Academy of Sciences Award for the Industrial Application of Science “for his ingenuity in creative chemical design and synthesis directed to the commercial production of numerous pharmaceuticals, such as anti-inflammatory steroids and antihypertensive compounds.” 

He recently was elected to the board of the National Academy of Sciences in honor of his "distinguished and continuing achievement in original research.” He holds almost 100 patents and has authored more than 140 papers.

How does he manage it all? 

“You live to an old age,” he says, laughing softly. Hirschmann admits it's time for him to slow down, which is why he will resign his MUSC position later this year. He has spent several weeks each year as a visiting professor in residence, advising the university administration on research issues and consulting with scientists. Hirschmann says he's pleased to see that the university has crossed a critical bridge in establishing a biochemistry department that provides solid biomedical research, and he hopes it continues to make progress. He still wants to maintain his ties with the university and will chair an external review committee. 

That he still will be around is good news to many. 

Hannun says his leadership skills are apparent by his successful career path at Merck & Co. Hirschmann, an American citizen born in Bavaria, rose through the ranks during his 37- year career at Merck & Co., retiring in 1987 as senior vice-president—chemistry. 

“That requires serious leadership effort to be able to put groups together that developed the drugs they developed,” says Hannun. “They were there for the long haul and they developed many drugs based on fundamental biology, biochemistry and chemistry.” 

That focus continued in his association at the university. MUSC recognized his contributions to science and biomedical research, conferring an honorary degree in May 1997. 

As impressive as his academic accolades, friends say Hirschmann is remarkable in other ways. 

Daniel R. Knapp, professor in pharmacology, says there's a good reason Hirschmann is known as an “old world gentleman.” He's the type of person, who despite his busy schedule, will take the time to write his own thank-you notes. 

“He's a gentleman scholar, which you don't find that much these days. He's an extremely thoughtful and an inherently nice person. Unfortunately, you often don't expect such a prominent scientist to be so nice.” 

Margaret P. Schachte, director of office and research development, agrees. Hirschmann, who is modest about his own contributions, is generous with his time, always courteous and an excellent listener, she says. “He's an unfailingly nice person which in no way diminishes the fierce power of his intellect. He enjoys other people's success and achievements.” 

Ralph F. Hirschmann, Ph.D.

Age: 77 

Family: married with 2 children and 6 grandchildren 

Education: doctorate degree in organic chemistry at Oberlin College

Hobbies: listening to music 

What he does to relax: reads, goes to the opera, and attends a summer Shakespeare festival in Canada. 

Goal yet to accomplish: to slow down