Elders, M. Jocelyn
1933- · Contribution: 1990s
Pediatric endocrinologist; U.S. Surgeon General
Public health policy leadership; pediatric endocrinology research

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Quick facts
- Born
- 1933, Schaal, Arkansas
- Active since
- 1960
- Category
- Science & Medicine
- Best known for
- First African American U.S. Surgeon General
Impact on the world
Elders brought a blunt, prevention-focused public-health voice to the nation's top medical post, pressing frank discussion of issues affecting young people's health.
Sources
- NLM Changing the Face of Medicine
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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