Abstract
C. Everett Koop, MD, ScD 1916–2013
Dr. Koop always kept his hand on the pulse of the health of the nation. In 1983 he noted as tobacco smoking was killing hundreds and human immunodeficincy virus (HIV) was smoldering under cover, that the initiation of breastfeeding was dropping lower and lower and duration was abysmal. He was concerned. He contacted us here in Rochester and asked us to come to Washington to develop a strategy. This was the birth of the first Surgeon General's workshop. He was very involved in its development. He insisted that we host it in Rochester and that he be there, that it be invitation only, and that the report not languish on bureaucratic desks in Washington. It was off the press in 8 weeks.
He was delighted when we pulled out all the stops, utilizing the incredible musical talents of the Eastman School of Music and the backdrop of our Art Museum to magnify the message. He spent 4 days in Rochester, always in his elegant uniform with his sword by his side. As the 93-page report confirms, Dr. Koop said: “We must identify and reduce barriers which keep women from beginning or continuing to breastfeed their infants.”
He established that at least 75% of women should leave the hospital breastfeeding and at least 35% continue through 6 months postpartum. This was the first proclamation to the women of the world on their responsibility.
The workshop established six categories of action to be undertaken. They were the world of work, public education, education and training of health professionals, development of a broad spectrum of community support, and intensified research in lactation, as well as strategies and interventions to assist women. Twenty-five years later, at our first Summit on June 12, 2009, these were the same strategies and are currently the essential elements of the Surgeon General's call to action in 2011.
In follow-up we were invited to come to Dr. Koop's office in Washington every 6 months until he retired in 1988 to report our progress. It was always a delightful hour of sharing. I would report on breastfeeding progress, and he would report on his battles about smoking and HIV. He always concluded with some suggestions and efforts to help.
Dr. Koop was delighted to be invited to be an honorary founder of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. He responded enthusiastically when contacted about the Summits. He always recorded a message for the Summit as his travel was limited. We had planned to have him speak to the final Summit this June. His voice may be silenced, but his message is clear.
ABM salutes this powerful leader, articulate spokesman, and true soldier in the never-ending battle for good health.
May he rest knowing how much we loved and respected him.