Thomas McKeown

Thomas McKeown was a British physician and epidemiologist known for his influential work in public health and the history of medicine. He is particularly recognized for his analysis of the decline in mortality rates in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizing that improvements in living conditions, rather than just medical advancements, played a crucial role in increasing life expectancy. McKeown's research highlighted the importance of social factors, such as nutrition, housing, and sanitation, in public health outcomes, shifting the focus from solely medical interventions to broader social policies to improve health.