Stephen Smith (surgeon)

Stephen Smith (February 19, 1823 – August 27, 1922) was an American surgeon and a pioneer in public health.

He was born on February 19, 1823 in Skaneateles, New York. His father was a cavalry officer in the American Revolutionary War.

Smith was an active proponent of the Metropolitan Health Bill. He led the establishment of the Metropolitan Board of Health in New York City in 1866, the first such public health agency in the United States. He later founded the American Public Health Association. He died on August 27, 1922.

He received the Stephen Smith Medal, for distinguished contributions in public health.