Famous American Physicians

Patch Adams is an American physician, comedian, social activist, clown, and author known for founding the Gesundheit! Institute in 1989. He organizes volunteers worldwide to dress as clowns and provide humor to orphans, patients, and others in need. Based in Urbana, Illinois, Adams promotes an alternative health care model through the institute, which is not funded by insurance policies. His work encompasses a unique blend of medical practice, social activism, and clowning to bring joy and healing to diverse communities.

Charles Richard Drew was a pioneering American surgeon and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of blood transfusions. He developed improved techniques for blood storage and played a crucial role in establishing large-scale blood banks during World War II, ultimately saving thousands of Allied forces' lives. Drew was a prominent African American figure in the medical field who actively protested against racial segregation in blood donation, leading to his resignation from the American Red Cross due to their discriminatory policies.

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States and the first woman on the Medical Register of the General Medical Council for the United Kingdom. She played a crucial role as a social reformer in both countries, advocating for women's education in medicine. Despite facing prejudice and rejection from medical schools, she persevered and made significant contributions to the field. Blackwell founded medical institutions, organized nurses during the American Civil War, and helped establish the London School of Medicine for Women.

Sanjay Gupta is an accomplished American neurosurgeon, medical reporter, and writer. He holds important positions such as associate chief of the neurosurgery service at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and associate professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine. Gupta is a member of prestigious organizations like the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. As CNN's chief medical correspondent, he has won multiple Emmy Awards for his show Sanjay Gupta MD and has contributed to various programs covering health-related issues. Additionally, Gupta has authored several books and is a co-host of the health conference Life Itself.

Virginia Apgar was an American physician and medical researcher known for inventing the Apgar score, a tool used to quickly assess the health of newborns immediately after birth to reduce infant mortality. She developed the 10-point Apgar score in 1952, revolutionizing neonatal care by evaluating breathing, skin color, reflexes, motion, and heart rate at one and five minutes after birth. Apgar's work brought awareness to birth defects, merging obstetrical considerations with neonatology and advancing the fields of anesthesiology and teratology.

Vivien Thomas was an American laboratory supervisor known for his pivotal role in developing the Blalock–Thomas–Taussig shunt procedure to treat cyanotic heart disease. Despite lacking formal education or experience in research, he supervised surgical laboratories at Johns Hopkins University for 35 years. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded an honorary doctorate and appointed as an Instructor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Thomas's legacy as a cardiac surgery pioneer and educator of surgical techniques continues to inspire many prominent surgeons.

Edgar Buchanan was an American actor known for his extensive career in both film and television. He achieved recognition for his role as Uncle Joe Carson in the popular television sitcoms Petticoat Junction, Green Acres, and The Beverly Hillbillies during the 1960s. Buchanan's portrayal of Uncle Joe Carson endeared him to audiences, making him a beloved figure in American television history. His talent and versatility as an actor allowed him to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry throughout his long and successful professional life.

Benjamin McLane Spock was an American pediatrician, known for his influential book Baby and Child Care. He was the first pediatrician to study psychoanalysis to better understand children's needs and family dynamics. Spock's ideas encouraged parents to be more flexible and affectionate with their children, treating them as individuals. While his theories were criticized for lacking academic research, they influenced generations of parents. Spock later became a left-wing political activist, running for President in 1972 on a platform promoting social reforms and anti-war sentiments.

Mary Edwards Walker was a pioneering American surgeon, abolitionist, prohibitionist, and prisoner of war. She earned her medical degree in 1855 and became the first female surgeon in the US Army during the Civil War, serving with the Union Forces. Walker crossed enemy lines to treat wounded civilians and was captured by Confederate forces. She was later awarded the Medal of Honor for her bravery and dedication to treating the wounded. Walker continued her advocacy work for women's suffrage through writing and lectures after the war.

John Harvey Kellogg was an American businessman, inventor, physician, and advocate of the Progressive Movement. He was the director of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, which integrated aspects of a spa, hospital, and hotel. Kellogg was an early proponent of the germ theory of disease and emphasized the importance of intestinal flora on health. He promoted holistic treatment methods such as vegetarianism, nutrition, exercise, and hydrotherapy. Kellogg was a leader in progressive health reform, promoting eugenics and segregation and advocating for biologic living.

Jack Kevorkian was an American pathologist and euthanasia proponent known for championing a terminal patient's right to die through physician-assisted suicide. He assisted at least 130 patients in ending their lives, leading to his nickname "Dr. Death." Kevorkian was convicted of second-degree murder for his role in the voluntary euthanasia of a man with ALS, serving eight years in prison. After his release on parole, he was prohibited from offering advice or participating in any form of euthanasia.

Jennifer Ashton is a prominent American physician, author, and television correspondent. She holds key roles as the chief health and medical editor for ABC News and Good Morning America, chief women's health correspondent for The Dr. Oz Show, and a columnist for Cosmopolitan Magazine. Ashton is a respected figure in the field of women's health, often speaking at events to raise awareness on important health issues. Additionally, she is a regular contributor to the ABC daytime program GMA3: What You Need to Know, showcasing her expertise and dedication to health journalism.

Denton Arthur Cooley was an esteemed American cardiothoracic surgeon known for his groundbreaking work in the field of cardiovascular surgery. He gained recognition for performing the first implantation of a total artificial heart and was the founder of The Texas Heart Institute. Cooley held prestigious positions such as chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, consultant in Cardiovascular Surgery at Texas Children's Hospital, and clinical professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Paul Farmer was an American medical anthropologist and physician known for his pioneering work in global health. He held an MD and PhD from Harvard University, where he was a University Professor and chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine. Farmer co-founded Partners In Health (PIH), an international non-profit organization providing health care services to those in poverty. He was a professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Farmer's work focused on community-based treatment strategies, health and human rights, and decentralized models of care.

Samuel Mudd was an American physician and tobacco farmer in Southern Maryland. His business suffered during the Civil War due to Maryland abolishing slavery. Mudd's involvement in the plot to kidnap Lincoln remains unclear, although he was seen with conspirators. After Booth shot Lincoln, Mudd treated Booth's leg at his home. Mudd's failure to report Booth's visit promptly led to suspicion. Found guilty by a military commission, Mudd was sentenced to life imprisonment but was later pardoned by President Andrew Johnson.

Daniel Hale Williams was a pioneering American surgeon and hospital founder known for his significant contributions to the medical field. He founded Provident Hospital in 1891, the first non-segregated hospital in the United States, and established an associated nursing school for African Americans. Williams made history by successfully completing the first recorded heart surgery. In 1913, he was elected as the sole African-American charter member of the American College of Surgeons, solidifying his reputation as a groundbreaking figure in healthcare and surgery.

Michael DeBakey was a prominent American cardiovascular surgeon, medical educator, and scientist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of medicine. Over nearly eight decades, he served as Chairman of the Department of Surgery, President, and Chancellor of Baylor College of Medicine. DeBakey's career was marked by numerous surgical innovations, including procedures for aortic aneurysms and ventricular assist devices. He received prestigious awards such as the Albert Lasker Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community.

William Stewart Halsted, M.D. was a pioneering American surgeon known for his emphasis on strict aseptic technique, advocacy for new anesthetics, and introduction of innovative surgical procedures such as the radical mastectomy. As one of the founding professors at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he, along with other prominent medical professionals, established a legacy of excellence in medical education and practice. Despite his significant contributions to the field, Halsted struggled with addiction to cocaine and later morphine, stemming from his own experiments with anesthetic substances.

Henry Judah Heimlich was an accomplished American thoracic surgeon and medical researcher known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of medicine. He is most famous for inventing the Heimlich maneuver, a life-saving technique for dislodging obstructions from the airway. In addition to this, he developed the Micro Trach portable oxygen system for ambulatory patients and the Heimlich Chest Drain Valve, also known as the "flutter valve," which aids in draining blood and air from the chest cavity.

Walter Reed was a prominent U.S. Army physician who played a crucial role in confirming the theory that yellow fever is transmitted by a specific mosquito species rather than direct contact. His groundbreaking work in epidemiology and biomedicine paved the way for significant advancements in public health. Reed's leadership and dedication led to the successful completion of the Panama Canal by the United States, following the resumption of work based on his discoveries. He built upon the research of Carlos Finlay and George Miller Sternberg, a pioneering figure in bacteriology.

Paul Kalanithi was an accomplished American neurosurgeon and writer known for his memoir, When Breath Becomes Air. He dedicated his career to the field of medicine, specializing in neurosurgery and treating patients with compassion and skill. Kalanithi's work was highly regarded in the medical community, and he was respected for his expertise and dedication to his patients. In addition to his medical practice, he was also a talented writer, as demonstrated by the success of his posthumously published memoir, which became a bestseller.

Tess Gerritsen is an accomplished American novelist known for her works in the thriller and medical suspense genres. Before pursuing a career in writing, she practiced as a general physician. Gerritsen has published numerous bestselling novels that have captivated readers worldwide. Her writing often incorporates medical and forensic elements, drawing on her background in the healthcare field. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting gripping narratives, Gerritsen has established herself as a prominent figure in the literary world.

Steven Macon Greer is an American ufologist and retired physician known for his work in the field of extraterrestrial intelligence. He founded the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI) and the Disclosure Project, aiming to push for the disclosure of classified UFO information. Greer is a prominent figure in the UFO community and has dedicated his career to researching and advocating for greater transparency regarding potential extraterrestrial encounters. His efforts have sparked public interest and debate on the topic of UFOs and government secrecy.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was a Hungarian-American psychologist known for identifying and naming the concept of "flow," a state of intense focus that enhances productivity. He held the position of Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University. Prior to this, he led the psychology department at the University of Chicago and the sociology and anthropology department at Lake Forest College. Csikszentmihalyi's work on flow has had a significant impact on the fields of psychology and management, influencing how individuals approach tasks and achieve optimal performance.

C. Everett Koop was an American pediatric surgeon and public health administrator who served as the 13th surgeon general of the United States under President Ronald Reagan from 1982 to 1989. He became a household name due to his prominent role during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Koop was recognized for his significant contributions in addressing tobacco use, AIDS, and abortion issues. He was also known for advocating for the rights of children with disabilities, leaving a lasting impact on public health policy and awareness.

William Carlos Williams was an American poet and physician known for his association with modernism and imagism. He practiced pediatrics and general medicine, serving as the chief of pediatrics at Passaic General Hospital. His work was influenced by the visual arts, and he sought to create a new context for poetry through his writing. Williams's poems often focused on everyday reflections and the idea of breaking through alienation to revive wonder. He won a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and influenced both poetry and visual arts with his innovative approach.

Robert Hugh Leckie was a United States Marine and a prolific author known for his diverse range of books covering military history, Catholic history and culture, sports, fiction, autobiographies, and children's literature. Serving in the 1st Marine Division during World War II, Leckie's experiences as a machine gunner and scout deeply influenced his work. His war memoir, "Helmet for My Pillow," co-written by Eugene B. Sledge, inspired the HBO series "The Pacific," where he was portrayed by James Badge Dale, further cementing his legacy in the realm of military literature and history.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was a renowned American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. Known as one of the best writers of his time, he authored the acclaimed "Breakfast-Table" series, notably The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table. Holmes was a significant medical reformer, a professor at Harvard, and an influential advocate for various medical reforms. He also made contributions to literature, coining terms like "Boston Brahmin" and anesthesia. His writings, often published in The Atlantic Monthly, left a lasting impact on the 19th-century literary world.

M. Scott Peck was a prominent American psychiatrist and author known for his influential work in the field of psychology. He gained widespread recognition for his best-selling book, The Road Less Traveled, which was published in 1978. Peck's professional career was marked by a dedication to exploring topics related to personal development, mental health, and spirituality. Through his writing and clinical practice, he made significant contributions to the understanding of human behavior and the pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement.

Annie M. Sprinkle is an American certified sexologist, performance artist, former sex worker, and advocate for sex work and health care. Throughout her career, she has worked in various roles including prostitute, sex educator, feminist stripper, pornographic film actress, and sex film producer and director. She made history by becoming the first known porn star to earn a PhD in human sexuality. Sprinkle is renowned for her self-help style of pornography and feminist-based content, contributing to feminist pornography, the post-porn movement, and bisexual/lesbian pornography.

J. Marion Sims was an American physician renowned for pioneering surgical techniques, including vesicovaginal fistula repair. He invented medical instruments like the Sims speculum and Sims sigmoid catheter, and developed the Sims position. Sims faced controversy for operating on enslaved black women without anesthesia, raising ethical concerns about his methods. Despite being a prominent figure in medicine, his legacy has been revisited critically in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

Harvey Williams Cushing was a prominent American neurosurgeon, pathologist, writer, and draftsman known for his pioneering work in brain surgery. He was the first exclusive neurosurgeon, credited with describing Cushing's disease. His contributions to the field of medicine include writing a comprehensive biography of physician William Osler in three volumes. Cushing's professional legacy is marked by his groundbreaking advancements in neurosurgery and his significant impact on the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders.

William Harrison Frist is an American physician, businessman, conservationist, and policymaker. He served as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1995 to 2007 and was Senate Majority Leader from 2003 to 2007. Frist studied government and health care policy at Princeton University and obtained a Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School. He founded the Vanderbilt Transplant Center and has since been involved in various roles in the healthcare and investment sectors, including serving as Chair of the Global Board of The Nature Conservancy.

Anna Lee Fisher is an accomplished American chemist, emergency physician, and former NASA astronaut. She joined NASA as part of Astronaut Group 8, making history as one of the first women astronauts. Fisher played key roles in various NASA programs, including the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and Orion spacecraft. She flew in space on the Space Shuttle Discovery, using the Canadarm to retrieve satellites. After a break to raise her family, Fisher returned to NASA and contributed to ISS training and the development of the Orion spacecraft display before retiring in 2017.

Mark Hyman is an American physician, author, and proponent of functional medicine. He founded The UltraWellness Center, writes a blog called The Doctor’s Farmacy, and hosts a podcast with the same name. Hyman has authored several books on nutrition and longevity, including titles like Food Fix and Eat Fat, Get Thin. He is recognized for promoting peganism, a diet that combines principles of paleo and veganism. Hyman's work extends to serving on the board of the Institute for Functional Medicine and contributing to peer-reviewed journals in the field.

Susan La Flesche Picotte was a pioneering Native American medical doctor and reformer from the Omaha tribe. She was the first Indigenous woman to earn a medical degree. Picotte advocated for public health initiatives and the legal distribution of land to her tribe. As a physician, she promoted temperance and campaigned against alcohol consumption. She also focused on tuberculosis prevention and treatment, navigating tribal members through bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring they received their land sale proceeds.

Glenn Shadix was an American actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. He appeared in various movies and TV shows, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor. Shadix's performances were praised for their depth and comedic timing. He collaborated with renowned directors and actors, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Shadix's dedication to his craft and memorable roles earned him a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Eben Alexander III is an American neurosurgeon and author best known for his book Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife. In 2008, he experienced a near-death episode while in a medically-induced coma due to meningitis. His book details his profound encounter with the afterlife during this time. Alexander challenges the conventional belief that consciousness is solely a result of brain function, suggesting that consciousness can exist beyond physical death.

Alfred Blalock was an American surgeon known for his groundbreaking work on shock and tetralogy of Fallot, leading to the development of the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt. His collaboration with Vivien Thomas and Helen Taussig revolutionized cardiac surgery, marking the modern era in the field. Blalock held positions at Vanderbilt University and Johns Hopkins University, eventually becoming chief of surgery. His contributions to medicine earned him prestigious awards, including the Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award, and numerous Nobel Prize nominations.

William Masters was a prominent American gynecologist known for his groundbreaking research on human sexuality. As the senior member of the Masters and Johnson research team, along with Virginia E. Johnson, he conducted pioneering studies on sexual response, sexual dysfunctions, and disorders for over three decades. Their work revolutionized the understanding and treatment of sexual health issues, making significant contributions to the field of human sexuality research. Masters' dedication to advancing knowledge in this area left a lasting impact on the medical community.

Antonia Coello Novello is a renowned Puerto Rican physician and public health administrator. She made history by becoming the first woman and first Hispanic to hold the prestigious position of Surgeon General of the United States from 1990 to 1993. Novello's influential career also included serving as the Commissioner of Health for the State of New York. Throughout her journey, she has been honored with over fifty honorary degrees, elected to the National Academy of Medicine, and inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Her memoir, "Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service," offers insights into her remarkable professional life.

James Tait Goodrich was an accomplished American neurosurgeon known for his expertise in pediatric neurosurgery. He served as the director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Montefiore Health System and held prominent academic positions at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Goodrich gained international acclaim for successfully performing multiple separations of conjoined twins, including assisting in two craniopagus separations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His contributions to the field of neurosurgery have left a lasting impact on the medical community.

Dr. Miami, also known as Michael Salzhauer, is an American celebrity plastic surgeon with a vibrant professional life. He's famous for his plastic surgery practice in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, where he specializes in cosmetic procedures. Dr. Miami is active on social media, under the handle Dr. Miami, where he engages with a large following. He has made appearances on reality TV shows, recorded a song, and even authored a children's book. His diverse professional endeavors showcase his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Jennifer Beth Thompson is a former American competition swimmer with an impressive Olympic record, earning twelve medals, including eight gold medals. She began her swimming career at a young age and achieved success internationally early on. After her swimming career, Thompson pursued a medical degree and specialized in anesthesiology, completing her residency and fellowship in prestigious hospitals. She has established herself as a skilled anesthesiologist with a dedication to pediatric care, showcasing her commitment to excellence in both athletics and medicine.

Ron Dellums was an influential American politician who served as Mayor of Oakland and as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives for thirteen terms. Known for his socialist views, he was the first African American elected to Congress from Northern California. Dellums was a vocal critic of military projects like the MX Missile and B-2 Spirit stealth bomber program. He played a key role in passing the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, despite facing opposition from President Reagan.

Eric Kandel is an Austrian-born American medical doctor specializing in psychiatry, a renowned neuroscientist, and a distinguished professor of biochemistry and biophysics at Columbia University. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000 for his groundbreaking research on the physiological mechanisms underlying memory storage in neurons, sharing the prize with Arvid Carlsson and Paul Greengard. Kandel is a Senior Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and was the founding director of Columbia University's Center for Neurobiology and Behavior. He is also a member of the Scientific Council of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

Robert Coleman Atkins was an American physician and cardiologist best known for creating the Atkins Diet. He emphasized the importance of controlling carbohydrate consumption while focusing on protein and fat as the primary sources of dietary calories, along with a limited amount of carbohydrates from vegetables. The commercial success of his diet led to widespread popularity, with Time naming him a person of the year in 2002. His approach revolutionized dietary practices and sparked significant interest in low-carb diets.

Aaron T. Beck was an esteemed American psychiatrist known as the father of cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). His pioneering methods revolutionized the treatment of clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Beck developed widely-used self-report measures for depression and anxiety, such as the Beck Depression Inventory. He co-founded the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which offers CBT treatment, training, and research. Beck's extensive body of work includes over 600 professional articles and 25 books, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the field of psychiatry and psychotherapy.

Ephraim McDowell was an American physician and pioneering surgeon known for his significant contributions to the field of medicine. He achieved fame for successfully performing the first documented successful removal of an ovarian tumor, earning him the title of "the father of ovariotomy." McDowell's innovative techniques and advancements in abdominal surgery established him as a founding father of the field. His work laid the foundation for modern surgical practices and continues to inspire medical professionals worldwide.

Martin Robison Delany was an American abolitionist, journalist, physician, military officer, and writer known as a pioneer of black nationalism. He treated patients during cholera epidemics and observed slavery firsthand in the South. Delany worked with Frederick Douglass on the North Star, was briefly enrolled in Harvard Medical School, and recruited for the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. After the war, he settled in South Carolina, working for the Freedmen's Bureau and becoming politically active, despite facing challenges and controversies in his career.

Michael Greger is an American physician, author, and public health advocate renowned for promoting a whole-food, plant-based diet. He is recognized for his strong stance against animal-derived food products and emphasizes the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Greger is a prominent speaker on public health issues, regularly sharing his expertise through lectures and media appearances. His work focuses on educating the public about the importance of nutrition and the impact of diet on overall health and well-being.

Arthur M. Sackler was an American psychiatrist and pharmaceutical marketer known for his involvement in medical advertising and trade publications. He was an avid art collector and amassed the largest personal Chinese art collection in the world, which he donated to the Smithsonian. Sackler funded the construction of several art galleries and medical schools. However, his reputation has since been tarnished due to his company Purdue Pharma's role in the opioid crisis, leading to museums and galleries distancing themselves from him and his family.

James Andrews is a renowned American orthopedic surgeon based in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Specializing in knee, elbow, and shoulder injuries, he is highly regarded for his expertise in repairing damaged ligaments. Andrews is well-known for his work with high-profile athletes and serves as the team doctor for the Tampa Bay Rays, Auburn Tigers, and Washington Commanders. With a reputation for excellence in orthopedic surgery, he has established himself as one of the most popular and respected surgeons in his field.

Virginia E. Johnson was an American sexologist known for her groundbreaking work as a member of the Masters and Johnson sexuality research team. Alongside her partner, William H. Masters, she conducted pioneering research on human sexual response, leading to advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions and disorders. Their collaborative efforts spanned several decades, from the late 1950s until the 1990s, making significant contributions to the understanding of human sexuality and enhancing the field of sexology.

Robert Rey is a prominent Brazilian American plastic surgeon known for his appearances on the E! reality series Dr. 90210. He has served as a medical correspondent on various TV shows such as The View and Good Morning America. Rey has also contributed to The New York Times and has been featured on the cover of Forbes Brazil. With a reputation for his expertise in plastic surgery, Rey has established himself as a respected figure in the field and a sought-after media personality.

Jon Kabat-Zinn is an American professor emeritus of medicine known for creating the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He integrates teachings from Zen Buddhism, hatha yoga, Vipassanā, Soto Zen, and Advaita Vedanta with scientific findings. Kabat-Zinn teaches mindfulness as a tool to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, pain, and illness. His mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program is widely offered by medical centers, hospitals, and health maintenance organizations, detailed in his book Full Catastrophe Living.

William James Mayo was a renowned physician and surgeon known for his significant contributions to the field of medicine in the United States. Along with his brother, Charles Horace Mayo, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Mayo Clinic, a renowned medical institution that revolutionized healthcare practices. Through his leadership and expertise, Mayo Clinic evolved from a private medical practice into a distinguished not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality patient care, education, and research in Rochester, Minnesota.

Jerry Punch is a prominent figure in both the sports broadcasting and medical fields. He is renowned for his extensive career as an auto racing and college football commentator at ESPN. Additionally, Punch is actively involved in local radio broadcasts in Knoxville. He serves as a Principal Investigator for the clinical research company, Alliance for Multispecialty Research (AMR), based in Knoxville. With a versatile professional background encompassing sports commentary and medical research, Punch has made significant contributions to both industries.

John Barrasso is an American physician and politician currently serving as the senior United States senator from Wyoming since 2007. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the Wyoming State Senate. Barrasso graduated from Georgetown University with a B.S. and M.D. and completed his medical residency at Yale University. He has a background in orthopedic practice and has been actively involved in various medical societies. Barrasso ran for U.S. Senate in 1996, eventually winning the seat in 2007 after the death of the incumbent senator. He has since been reelected and holds a leadership position within the Senate Republican Conference.

Thomas Stoltz Harvey was an American pathologist known for conducting the autopsy on Albert Einstein in 1955. He gained recognition for preserving Einstein's brain with the intention of scientific study. This decision sparked controversy and fascination in the scientific community. Harvey's professional life was largely defined by his unique role in the preservation and distribution of Einstein's brain for research purposes, making him a notable figure in the history of neuropathology and neuroscience.

Otto Loewi was a prominent German pharmacologist and psychobiologist known for his groundbreaking discovery of acetylcholine as an endogenous neurotransmitter. His remarkable achievement led to being jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1936 with Sir Henry Dale, a close friend who played a vital role in inspiring the neurotransmitter experiment. Loewi's professional journey included significant collaborations and research contributions, particularly during his time at University College, London, where he met and worked with influential figures in the field.

Max Gerson was a physician known for developing the Gerson therapy, a controversial alternative cancer treatment involving a plant-based diet, coffee and ozone enemas, supplements, and raw calf liver extract (later discontinued). He detailed his approach in the book "A Cancer Therapy: Results of 50 Cases" but faced skepticism from the National Cancer Institute, which found no benefit in his treatment. Criticized for being both ineffective and dangerous, Gerson's therapy has been linked to serious illnesses and deaths.

Joseph Mercola is an American alternative medicine proponent, osteopathic physician, and Internet business personality known for marketing unproven dietary supplements and medical devices. He advocates for pseudoscientific alternative health notions such as homeopathy and opposes vaccination, drawing criticism from medical, scientific, and regulatory communities. Mercola has been warned multiple times by the FDA for making illegal claims about his products. His marketing practices have been described as relying on slick promotion and scare tactics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spread misinformation about the virus and anti-vaccine pseudoscience online, earning him the label of "chief spreader of coronavirus misinformation."

Robert Charles Gallo is an American biomedical researcher renowned for his pivotal role in identifying HIV as the cause of AIDS and developing the HIV blood test. He is the director and co-founder of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has contributed significantly to HIV research. Gallo is a co-founder of Profectus BioSciences, Inc., and the Global Virus Network. Renowned for his prolific publication record, he was the most cited scientist globally from 1980 to 1990 and ranked third for scientific impact from 1983 to 2002.

Frederick Albert Cook was an American explorer, physician, and ethnographer recognized for his controversial claims of reaching the North Pole in 1908 and summiting Denali. Despite disputes over his achievements, Cook published a memoir defending his expeditions. He is also credited with being the first American to discover an Arctic island, Meighen Island. Cook's professional life was marked by his exploration endeavors, medical expertise, and contributions to ethnography, leaving a legacy of adventure and controversy in the field of exploration.

David Hunter Hubel was a distinguished American Canadian neurophysiologist known for his groundbreaking research on the visual cortex. Alongside Torsten Wiesel, he was awarded the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work on information processing in the visual system. Hubel held prominent positions at Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Medical School, where he served as a Professor of Neurobiology. Throughout his career, he received prestigious accolades such as the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University and the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.

Andrew Taylor Still was a prominent figure in the field of osteopathic medicine, serving as a physician, surgeon, author, and inventor. He played a key role in founding Baker University and established the American School of Osteopathy, which later became A.T. Still University, the first osteopathic medical school in the world. Still's contributions to the medical field were significant, and his work continues to impact the practice of osteopathic medicine today.

Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig was an American cardiologist known for founding the field of pediatric cardiology. She developed the concept for the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt procedure to help children with Tetralogy of Fallot. Despite being partially deaf, she used innovative techniques to communicate with patients and diagnose heart conditions. Taussig successfully advocated for banning thalidomide and became the first woman to lead the American Heart Association. Her accomplishments led to being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964.

William Beaumont was a prominent surgeon in the U.S. Army known as the "Father of Gastric Physiology." His groundbreaking research on human digestion was conducted on Alexis St. Martin, a patient with a permanent opening in his stomach. Beaumont's experiments and observations laid the foundation for understanding the digestive process and the role of gastric juices. His work revolutionized the field of physiology and established him as a pioneer in the study of the human digestive system.

Minnie Joycelyn Elders is an American pediatrician and public health administrator who served as Surgeon General of the United States from 1993 to 1994. As the second woman, second person of color, and first African American to hold this position, she made headlines for her outspoken views on controversial topics such as drug legalization, masturbation, and contraception distribution in schools. Despite being forced to resign amidst controversy, Elders continues to contribute to the field as a professor emerita of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Anna Howard Shaw was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement in the United States. She was not only a leader advocating for women's right to vote but also a pioneering physician and one of the earliest women to be ordained as a Methodist minister in the country. Shaw's professional life was characterized by her tireless efforts in advancing women's rights, promoting gender equality, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields such as medicine and ministry. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women around the world.

Charles Herbert Best was a renowned American-Canadian medical scientist who co-discovered insulin with Frederick Banting. He played a pivotal role as the chair of the Banting and Best Department of Medical Research at the University of Toronto. Throughout his career, Best was actively involved in further research on choline and heparin. His contributions to the field of medical science have had a lasting impact, particularly in the treatment of diabetes through the discovery of insulin.

Stella Gwandiku-Ambe Immanuel is a Cameroonian-American physician and pastor known for controversial statements during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for hydroxychloroquine as a cure and dismissing public health measures. She founded Fire Power Ministries, making fringe claims about medical conditions tied to spiritual factors. Immanuel also endorses conspiracy theories involving aliens and the Illuminati. She emigrated to the US after medical education in Nigeria and currently practices in Houston, Texas at a private clinic, attracting attention for her unconventional beliefs and practices.

Lyman Hall was a prominent figure in American history, known for his roles as a physician, clergyman, and statesman. He played a significant role in the founding of the United States by signing the Declaration of Independence as a representative of Georgia. Alongside his medical profession, Hall contributed to the political landscape of the country, advocating for independence and serving his community. His dedication to public service and his commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy solidified his legacy as a Founding Father.

Fredric Wertham was a German-American psychiatrist and author known for his work in addressing discrimination in urban mental health practice. He authored a textbook on the brain and his findings influenced court decisions on segregation. However, he is most famous for his concerns about violent imagery in mass media and the impact of comic books on children. His book, "Seduction of the Innocent," claimed that comic books led to delinquency, leading to government inquiries and the establishment of the Comics Code Authority.