The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was established according to the will of the late Swedish chemist alfred nobel, aiming at commending those who made outstanding discoveries in physiology or medicine in the previous year.

The front of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is a bust of Nobel, the right side is the year of Nobel's birth and death (Roman numerals), and the author's signature in the lower left corner is "E.LINDBERG 1902". The design on the back of the medal is Xu Guiya, the goddess of health in ancient Greek mythology, who is collecting spring water on the rock to quench the thirst of sick girls. The medal is engraved with a Latin sentence, which roughly translates as: New discoveries make life better.

The Nobel Prize is awarded by the foundation established according to the Nobel will (starting from 1969 and ranging from 5 to 6), and it is selected by 4 institutions (3 in Sweden and 0/in Norway) every year. 19011210, the fifth anniversary of Nobel's death. Nobel stipulated in his will that the prize should be awarded to "the person who made the greatest contribution to mankind in the previous year" in the fields of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace.