C. Everett Koop

C. Everett Koop on the day of his confirmation as Surgeon General

Charles Everett Koop (October 14, 1916 – February 25, 2013) was an American pediatric surgeon and public health administrator. He served as the 13th Surgeon General of the United States from 1982 to 1989. Koop was known for his work in promoting public health policies, particularly in the areas of tobacco control and AIDS awareness.

Early life and education

Koop was born in Brooklyn, New York City, to John Everett Koop, a banker, and Helen (née Apel) Koop. He attended Dartmouth College, where he earned his A.B. degree in 1937. He then went on to receive his M.D. degree from Cornell Medical College in 1941. Koop completed his surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he developed a keen interest in pediatric surgery.

Career in pediatric surgery

Koop became the first Surgeon-in-Chief at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in 1946, a position he held until 1981. During his tenure, he pioneered several surgical techniques and was instrumental in advancing the field of pediatric surgery. Koop was known for his innovative approaches to treating congenital defects and his commitment to improving surgical outcomes for children.

Surgeon General of the United States

C. Everett Koop

Koop was appointed as the Surgeon General by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and confirmed in 1982. His tenure as Surgeon General was marked by his outspoken advocacy for public health issues, often putting him at odds with political leaders and interest groups.

Tobacco control

One of Koop's most significant contributions as Surgeon General was his campaign against smoking. He released several reports highlighting the dangers of tobacco use and advocated for policies to reduce smoking rates. Koop's efforts helped to shift public perception of smoking and laid the groundwork for future tobacco control measures.

AIDS awareness

Koop was also a leading figure in raising awareness about the AIDS epidemic. Despite initial resistance from the Reagan administration, Koop issued a comprehensive report on AIDS in 1986, which emphasized the importance of education and prevention. He also mailed an educational pamphlet, "Understanding AIDS," to every household in America, a move that was unprecedented at the time.

Later life and legacy

After leaving office in 1989, Koop continued to be active in public health advocacy. He founded the C. Everett Koop Institute at Dartmouth College, which focuses on health communication and policy. Koop remained a vocal advocate for health issues until his death in 2013.

Koop's legacy is characterized by his commitment to public health and his willingness to address controversial issues. He is remembered as a Surgeon General who prioritized science and public welfare over political considerations.

C. Everett Koop in the 1980s

Related pages

• Surgeon General of the United States
• Tobacco control
• AIDS epidemic
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia