Bernardo Alberto Houssay was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 10, 1887; his parents had emigrated from France before his birth. His father was Albert Houssay, a lawyer who also taught literature at the National College of Buenos Aires, and his mother was the former Clara Laffont.

Houssay completed his secondary education at the Colegio Británico at the age of 14. Three years later he earned his degree in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires, receiving the highest honors in his class. He then enrolled in the school of medicine at the university and was granted his M.D. at the age of 23. Houssay's medical studies took somewhat longer to complete than might have been expected, given his previous academic record, because he simultaneously worked as a hospital pharmacist in order to help pay for his expenses.

Having completed his studies, Houssay was appointed provisional professor...