Life
When and were was he born?
I was born on August 6, 1881 in Ayshire, Scotland.
What was his greatest achievement or contribution?
The discovery of penincillin, the first effective antibiotic.
Did he win awards or recognitions?
Yes, the Nobel Prize in Medicine (1945), the British Order of Merit and many other international honors.
What was happening in the rest of the world during his life?
I lived through the First and Second World War, and an age of various scientific and medical advances.
Did he have any brothers or sisters?
Yes, I was the seventh of eight siblings. His older brothers influenced his ability to study as they supported him financially.
How did his discipline change thanks to him?
I transformed modern medicine by inagurating the antibiotic era.
At what age did he start to be recognized?
I was recognize worldwide at 47 years old.
Did he like any sport?
Yes, I liked waterpolo, archery, billiards, golf and fishing.
What problems were existing in his time?
Wars, lack of hygine in hospitals and mortal infectious diseases without treatment.
When and were did he die?
I died in London, England on March 11, 1955.
What impact did his actions have in his country?
I revolutionaize medicine in the United Kingdom and saved millions of lifes during World War II.
What institutions, awards or places bear his name today?
The Wright-Fleming Institute is a hospital or part of one in London. At St. Marys Hospital, named to reflect its dedication to microbiology.
Did he have any funny anecdote?
There is a myth that I saved young Winston Churchill from neumonia.
How was he seen by the society of that time?
I was seen as a nobody but then I was recognized as a hero to the world in medicine.
What difficulties or personal challenges did he face?
I came from a humble family and had to work hard to study and make my way in the scientific world.
How did his carreer of main work begin?
I began as a doctor and researcher at St. Marys Hospital in London.
Is he remembered more in his country or worldwide?
Worlwide, my discovery penicillin saves lifes around the world even more than seventy years after my dead.
My discovery of lysozyme, a bactericidal enzyme.
Did he marry or have a partner?
Yes, I married twice: first Sarah Marion McElroy and later Amalia Koutsouri-Vourekas and had a son, Robert Fleming.
What was his greatest professional obstacle?
At first, the scientific community did not value penicillin and it was ignored for years.
Are there movies, books or songs about him?
Yes, most of them are biography books.
How did he usually dress?
With a suit, lab coat, vest and bow tie.