C. Everett Koop

Date of Birth: October 14, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: February 25, 2013

Biography

Dr. Charles Everett Koop was born on October 14, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York. He became one of the most influential public health officials in American history, serving as the Surgeon General of the United States from 1982 to 1989. Dr. Koop was known for his forthright and often controversial stances on public health issues, particularly his outspoken advocacy for anti-smoking campaigns and his efforts to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic during the 1980s. Koop’s early career was marked by his contributions to pediatric surgery. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1937 and earned his MD from Cornell Medical College in 1941. He later became the Surgeon-in-Chief at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he revolutionized pediatric surgery and developed innovative techniques that saved countless lives. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, Koop’s tenure as Surgeon General was notable for his independence and willingness to speak out against political pressures. His landmark reports on smoking and health significantly influenced public policy and public perception, leading to a decline in smoking rates in the United States. After retiring as Surgeon General, Koop continued to be an advocate for public health issues and launched DrKoop.com, a health website aimed at providing reliable medical information to the public. Dr. C. Everett Koop passed away on February 25, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to public health and medicine.

5 Interesting Facts about C. Everett Koop

1. Dr. Koop was the first Surgeon General to publicly address the HIV/AIDS epidemic, advocating for widespread education about the disease.

2. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995, the highest civilian award in the United States.

3. Koop’s 1986 report on the health consequences of involuntary smoking played a crucial role in the establishment of smoke-free public spaces.

4. He was a pioneer in pediatric surgery and significantly reduced mortality rates for infants with congenital defects.

5. Dr. Koop authored several books, including his autobiography “Koop: The Memoirs of America’s Family Doctor.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from C. Everett Koop

1. “Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.”

2. “The human body is the best picture of the human soul.”

3. “You can’t talk about health without talking about health care.”

4. “When a man becomes a doctor, he must have a desire to help people.”

5. “Health care is vital to all of us some of the time, but public health is vital to all of us all of the time.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth C. Everett Koop achieved was estimated to be around $5 million, primarily through his medical career and subsequent ventures, including his health website, DrKoop.com.

Children

Dr. C. Everett Koop had four children with his first wife, Elizabeth Flanagan. Their names are Allen Koop, Norman Koop, Elizabeth Koop, and David Koop. Tragically, his son David died in a rock climbing accident in 1968.