Three dermatologists who were nominated for a Nobel Prize: Albert Neisser, Erich Hoffmann, and Aaron B. Lerner

During the past 125 years, three dermatologists have been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Albert Neisser (1855-1916), Erich Hoffmann (1868-1959), and Aaron B. Lerner (1920-2007). Neisser was nominated 22 times for his discovery of the gonococcus and for his work on the serologic testing for syphilis through complement fixation. Hoffmann was nominated three times for his role in the discovery of Treponema pallidum. Lerner was nominated twice, once for his work on melanocyte-stimulating hormone and a second time for his work on melatonin. Although neither Neisser, Hoffmann, nor Lerner won the Nobel Prize, it is still a notable accomplishment that each of them was nominated multiple times for this prestigious award. This contribution highlights the lives and careers of these three distinguished dermatologists, including the landmark discoveries they made that led to their being nominated for a Nobel Prize.

As of 2023, there were 114 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine awarded to 227 individuals, none of whom were dermatologists. There were, however, three distinguished dermatologists who were nominated for this illustrious prize: Albert Neisser (1855-1916), Erich Hoffmann (1868-1959), and Aaron Bunsen Lerner (1920-2007) (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3). Although these three dermatologists failed to win the Nobel Prize, it remains a signal accomplishment for each of them to have been nominated for such a prestigious award on multiple occasions in recognition of their outstanding discoveries that have had a significant impact on modern-day medicine. This Fun Facts About Dermatology presentation highlights the lives and careers of Neisser, Hoffmann, and Lerner and the important scientific contributions that led to their nominations for medicine's most coveted award: the Nobel Prize.