With more than 200 published books and articles, Dr. Koop is arguably the most influential public health expert of the last half century. He advises the public on health matters such as the dangers of smoking, diet and nutrition, environmental health hazards, and the importance of immunization and disease prevention.
Dr. C. Everett Koop was the Surgeon General of the U.S. from 1982-1989. Historically, no other Surgeon General has had as great an impact on the field of public health.
He made it trendy not to smoke. He raised awareness regarding nicotine’s addictive properties, resulting in new warning labels on cigarette packages. He also identified the dangers of passive smoke. All of which help millions of Americans add years to their lives. He is also an outstanding contributor in the field of pediatric surgery. In 1974, he separated conjoined Dominican Republican twins. He improved the daily health of Americans by establishing improved ingredient labels on all food products. He wrote the first government report that identified random sex as responsible for the transmission of AIDS. Dr. Koop is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian award, as well as the French Legion of Honor and more than 35 honorary doctorates.
