In a presidency where seats of power in the United States government are increasingly handed out to wildly unqualified cronies and hangers-on of the "commander" in chief, it's sometimes hard to remember the figures who built up the office, and the good that they used to be capable of in the right hands. For many, this sentiment was as true now as it was in 1981, when Ronald Regan appointed an anti-abortion conservative Christian to the then-strictly 'advisory' role of Surgeon General, Dr. Everett Koop. In a surprising twist of fate, by the time "Dr. Kook" left office many of his biggest haters were his staunchest supporters, while his former conservative friends branded him a traitor. How did this unconventional man of faith and medicine manage to turn the tables, become a household name, and rebrand what had once been a powerless office into a major medical pillar of trust during his short tenure?

As biographer Nigel M. de. S. Cameron thoroughly illustrates in his history of Dr. Koop - drawing on hundreds of interviews and documents on Koop and his illustrious life and career - Dr. Koop was, above all, guided by the oaths he took as a physician to save lives, even in the face of increasing political pressure and in defiance of his own strongly held faith. He defied the Republican party line on the big issues of the day - including smoking, abortion, and the AIDS crisis - and was constantly at odds with those closest to him as he continued to adhere to science, health, and the responsibility of his office. In the face of a wildly unstable political landscape, Cameron reminds us of the boy from Brooklyn, the celebrated pediatric surgeon, and the controversial politician who remains a stellar example of ho politicians on all sides should conduct themself in service to the public.

As a millennial and physician who remains horrified at the atrocities being wrought by the current (2025 Trump) administration - including the nomination of a residency drop-out, "functional medicine", "social media influencer" to the office of Surgeon General - reading about Dr. Koop was a pleasantly surprising breath of fresh air. Here is a man who was able to put aside his personal faith - which, according to this biography, was a strong guiding hand throughout his life and career - because he was able to step back, look at what was objectively scientific and beneficial for his 'patients' (being Americans at large), and act accordingly. It's the kind of attitude that is unfortunately more common in the movies and fiction rather than real life these days (with some stand-out exceptions), and it's hard to believe such a man at such a high level of power ever existed - and knowing that he paid the price of his loyalty to what was right, rather than what is easy.

Further, I am really surprised I had not heard of Dr. Koop from a medical standpoint, as it seems that he was essentially one of the founding fathers of pediatric surgery as a subspecialty, and I really enjoyed reading about the first half of his career in Philadelphia and the incredible leaps in medicine he made quite early on as a physician. This part of the book definitely helps set the stage for the back half of the book and helps the reader understand Dr. Koop's motivations in the office of the Surgeon General, and even though he's certainly a flawed person who made some interesting choices throughout his career (and particularly towards the end and to an extent overall in his social/personal relationships), he really did stand on business in regards to his desires to do the right thing - the scientific thing, the thing that would be a benefit for patients, and I really found myself enamored with his story throughout.

Overall, if you're going to read one biography this year, I think Dr. Koop's would be an excellent choice. It is firstly the a very richly detailed and dramatic story of a surgeon, a father, a politician, and a son (of hid God and man) who moved through life and left tsunami-sized waves in his wake - religiously, politically, and medically. This was a man who was larger than life in many ways, and a study in contradictions in many others, who ultimately (ego aside) desired to do what was right with perhaps not enough personal thought to the cost. He was incredibly human in his actions, godlike in the amount of work he was able to accomplish in the short life we're all granted, and ultimately should be remembered as an example of what representation for and by the people is supposed to look like. When the voting season comes around and you despair for a choice that actually feels like a choice, look into your community and seek out people like Dr. Koop, who talk a big game but who also stick to their convictions and act in the best interests of the people they're sworn to represent - they're out there and are ready to help make this country a better place for all.

Excellent detailed biography of Dr. Everett Koop, pediatrician and Surgeon General of the United States during several controversial medical events in the world--in particular the HIV crisis. It traces his life, from childhood to a young internist surgeon to respected surgeon to world renowned medical leader. It includes the ways his strong religious and ethical beliefs affected his sometimes controversial medical practice. At times the details of the people he worked with or against is hard to follow, but overall it is and interesting biography, especially for anyone who had some acquaintance with Dr. Koop.

Summary:

"Dr. Koop" by Nigel M. de S. Cameron is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and career of C. Everett Koop, the 13th Surgeon General of the United States under President Ronald Reagan. Cameron, known for his extensive work in bioethics and technology policy, presents a nuanced portrait of Koop, capturing his journey from a celebrated pediatric surgeon to one of the most influential public health figures in American history.

The book begins with Koop's early life in Brooklyn, highlighting his precocious nature and his path to becoming the world's foremost pediatric surgeon. Cameron then explores Koop's controversial appointment as Surgeon General in 1981, detailing the opposition he faced due to his conservative social views, particularly his stance against abortion, which led to labels like "Dr. Kook" from critics.

As the narrative progresses, Cameron illustrates how Koop transformed the role of Surgeon General. Rather than engaging in political battles over personal beliefs, Koop adhered to science and public health needs, which led to his recognition as a national figure, especially during the HIV/AIDS crisis. His approach to public health issues like smoking, AIDS, and the rights of disabled infants (the "Baby Doe" case) are covered in depth, showcasing his commitment to health education and policy reform.

Cameron's biography also touches on Koop's personal life, his faith, and how these aspects influenced his professional decisions. The book draws on a vast array of sources, including personal interviews, Koop's own writings, and historical documents, to paint a full picture of a man who managed to navigate the complex landscape of public health policy while maintaining his integrity.

Review:

The strength of Cameron's "Dr. Koop" lies in its detailed research and balanced perspective. Cameron does not shy away from Koop's controversial aspects but instead uses them to frame a discussion about the complexities of public service in a politically charged environment. The narrative is engaging, weaving personal anecdotes with significant historical events to show how Koop's decisions impacted public health policy and societal attitudes towards health issues.

Cameron's writing style is both informative and accessible, making the book appealing not only to those with an interest in medical history or bioethics but also to anyone curious about how individual leadership can influence national policy. His analysis of Koop's strategies during the AIDS epidemic, for instance, serves as a masterclass in crisis management and public education.

However, the book might overwhelm readers looking for lighter reading with its focus on policy details and the intricacies of Koop's administrative battles. Some might find the narrative occasionally bogged down by the minutiae of political and bureaucratic struggles.

The portrayal of Koop's ideological evolution, from a conservative figure to one who reached across political divides, is another highlight. Cameron critically examines how Koop managed to gain respect from both liberals and conservatives, often at the cost of being misunderstood or misrepresented by his former allies.

Conclusion:

"Dr. Koop" by Nigel M. de S. Cameron is an essential read for understanding the impact of one man's tenure as Surgeon General. It's a testament to how leadership based on scientific integrity and public health advocacy can transcend political divides. Cameron's biography not only honors Koop's legacy but also serves as a reminder of the potential for public officials to effect change. It's an insightful, well-researched exploration of a figure whose influence on American public health policy remains significant, providing lessons on leadership, ethics, and the intersection of medicine and politics. This book is recommended for those interested in medical history, public policy, or anyone looking to understand how individual actions can shape national health agendas.