Who is Ferid Murad?

Ferid Murad is a renowned American physician and pharmacologist of Azerbaijani descent who gained worldwide fame for his groundbreaking work on nitric oxide's role in the cardiovascular system. But, very few people know that he also had a successful stint as a commercial actor early in his career.

After completing his medical studies, Ferid Murad moved to California to work at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) medical college, where he started researching nitric oxide. During this time, he also had to fund his research project and pay for his education. So, he began working as a part-time television commercial actor, featuring in spots for leading brands like Pacific Bell, United Airlines, and McDonald's.

One of his popular commercial spots was for Pacific Bell, where he played a doctor explaining the benefits of the company's pager service to a patient. As Ferid had a natural charm and charisma, he proved to be a successful actor in the commercials. Ferid balanced his acting with his medical research and was independently financing his work in the lab.

Ferid Murad's work in the field of nitric oxide culminated in him being awarded the 1998 Nobel Prize for Medicine, along with two other scientists. Today, he is recognized as a pioneer in his field and made a significant contribution to medical science, and his ground-breaking research led to new ways to treat hypertension, angina, and erectile dysfunction, among other conditions.

In summary, Ferid Murad's rise to global recognition is attributed to his in-depth knowledge of medicine and his commitment to advancing the field. However, his early career as a commercial actor was an essential part of his journey, as it allowed him to balance his funding and ultimately achieve success in his field.