Description
Book SynopsisWhat does it mean to be the nation's doctor? This book examines the Office of the US Surgeon General, emphasizing that it has always been unique within the federal government in its ability to influence public health.
Trade Review"A riveting history of the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General and the 18 doctors who held the post... An outstanding resource on the history of U.S. public health." -STARRED REVIEW -- Karen Springen Booklist "Remarkably enjoyable and fast-moving... Eye-opening to anyone interested in American history and politics." -STARRED REVIEW Library Journal "A richly detailed account of the rise and fall of the United States surgeon general... An important book for policymakers. Many readers will lament the declining state of a post that has contributed much to the country's health." Kirkus "Stobbe's skillful, engaging report is especially relevant today as the public's health continues to challenge the nation's leaders." Publishers Weekly "With the rare blend of a reporter's nose for a story and a scholar's fastidiousness, Stobbe chronicles the past century and a half of Surgeons General. The result is a stimulating perspective on the history of American public health." -- Dave A Chokshi The Lancet "Invaluable to scholars and highly engaging for general audiences... Stobbe's research and portraits of the men and women who have held the post of Surgeon General are remarkable in their vividness and insights." -- Jedd Beaudoin PopMatters "Stobbe has written an interesting and informative book useful to both scholars and general readers. He captures well the political challenges that those working at high levels on public health issues are likely to face." Health Affairs "The Surgeon General's Warning is an impressively detailed, eminently readable account of the creation, strengthening, and gradual decline of the office of surgeon general... A journalist by trade, Stobbe's narrative is not only based on impressive research but is also very entertaining to read. He effectively brings history to life by recounting the personalities and biographical details of past surgeons general and their contributions to public health in the US... Stobbe can lay claim to having written perhaps the definitive history of the subject." -- M. N. Green Choice
Table of ContentsPlates follow page 1. The Monarch of Public Health Part One. Rise, 1871--1948 2. Coming to Power 3. War and Prominence 4. The Best Seller Part Two. Decline, 1949--1980 5. The Quicksand Bureaucracy 6. "They Are Giving the Public Health Service Away!" 7. Bossed Around Part Three. Struggle, 1981--2001 8. Resurrection 9. Drawn as Villains 10. "You're on Your Own" Part Four. Plummet, 2002--Present 11. MIA 12. "America's Doctor" 13. The Surgeon General's Demise Notes Index
