I recall the tumult and bickering when Ronald Reagan nominated Dr. C. Everett Koop to be Surgeon General of these United States. Reagan's staff had assured Conservatives that Koop would run his department the "right way," meaning that the science that emanated from it would conform to what they wanted it to be. Today's equivalent of what was expected of him then was that he would proclaim that rape was not a justification for abortion because, of course, women never get pregnant from "legitimate rape." Democrats lined up against him but Doc Koop gave a pretty sane, mature performance before the committee and he was soundly confirmed.
He turned out to be one of those nominees who was ultimately loved by those who'd opposed him and called a quisling by those who'd backed his candidacy. He was against abortion but to the frustration of many, refused to use his office to advance their goals in that area. At a time when the Reagan Administration was trying really hard to ignore AIDS, he made sure it didn't, often to the point of public correction of the "facts" cited by Republican leaders. And he did more than anyone else I can think of to make smoking less fashionable.
There are some problems that are solved in part by just embarrassing people. Once upon a time, smoking was cool and adult. Now, it's widely regarded as a filthy and foolish habit practiced by folks who lack the strength of character (or wisdom) to quit. C. Everett Koop, who died the other day at the age of 96, had a lot to do with that, which means he had a lot to do with saving a lot of lives. We could use more like him.