Koop, C. Everett (1916-2013), an American physician, served as surgeon general of the United States under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. Often called “America’s Family Doctor,” Koop became one of the most recognizable and trusted public figures on the subject of health. He was known for his strong opinions on public health issues, especially on the hazards caused by cigarette smoking.
As surgeon general, Koop worked to educate people about nutrition, environmental health hazards, and the importance of immunization and education to prevent disease. He resigned the position in 1989, but he continued to work to improve public health and health education through his writings, public appearances, and other means. In 1992, he founded the C. Everett Koop Institute, a foundation to promote health education.
Charles Everett Koop was born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Oct. 14, 1916. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1937. He earned his M.D. degree at Cornell University in 1941 and a D.Sc. in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1947. He was named professor of pediatric surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in 1959, and professor of pediatrics in 1971. He also served as surgeon-in-chief at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia from 1948 to 1981. Koop died on Feb. 25, 2013.
