Jesse Leonard Steinfeld facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jesse Leonard Steinfeld
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| 11th Surgeon General of the United States | |
| In office December 18, 1969 – January 30, 1973 |
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| President | Richard M. Nixon |
| Preceded by | William H. Stewart |
| Succeeded by | Julius B. Richmond |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 6, 1927 Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Died | August 5, 2014 (aged 87) Pomona, California, US |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | Susan Steinfeld, Mary Beth Steinfeld, Jody Stefansson |
| Alma mater | University of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University |
Jesse Leonard Steinfeld (born January 6, 1927, died August 5, 2014) was an American doctor and public health leader. He served as the 11th Surgeon General of the United States from 1969 to 1973. This important role made him the top doctor for the U.S. government.
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Jesse Steinfeld's Early Life and Learning
Jesse Steinfeld was born in West Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. His parents were immigrants from Hungary. His father was a smoker and passed away when Jesse was only five years old. His mother managed a store that sold dry goods and hardware.
Jesse went to the University of Pittsburgh, earning his science degree in 1945. He then studied medicine at Western Reserve University (now called Case Western Reserve University), getting his M.D. in 1949. After medical school, he completed special training at hospitals in Los Angeles and Long Beach, California. He also studied cancer research at the University of California, San Francisco.
Starting His Medical Career
In 1952, Steinfeld began teaching medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. From 1954 to 1958, he worked at the National Cancer Institute. There, he directed a lab that used special materials called radioisotopes. He also taught medicine at George Washington University.
In 1959, he joined the University of Southern California School of Medicine. He became a professor there, focusing his studies on cancer. By 1968, Steinfeld returned to the National Cancer Institute. He became the associate director and then the deputy director.
Serving as Surgeon General
Jesse Steinfeld was chosen to be the Surgeon General of the United States on December 18, 1969. This was a very important job. The Surgeon General is the main spokesperson on public health matters for the U.S. government.
During his time, the Public Health Service was changing. Some people even thought about getting rid of the Surgeon General position. However, Steinfeld strongly defended the role and the Public Health Service. Thanks to his efforts and support from Congress, the position remained.
While Steinfeld was Surgeon General, two new health programs started. These were the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Health Service Corps. He also saw the passing of the National Cancer Act of 1971. This law helped the Public Health Service fight cancer more effectively.
Later Career and Retirement
Steinfeld left his role as Surgeon General on January 30, 1973. After that, he continued his work in medicine and education. He directed the cancer center at the Mayo Clinic from 1973 to 1974. He also taught medicine at the Mayo Medical School.
Later, he became a professor at the University of California, Irvine. He also led the medicine department at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach. From 1976 to 1983, he was the dean of the School of Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia. In 1983, Steinfeld became the president of the Medical College of Georgia. He held this position until he retired in 1987.
His Passing
Jesse Steinfeld passed away on August 5, 2014, in Pomona, California. He was 87 years old. He died from problems related to a stroke.
