Lewis Ryers Thompson

Lewis Ryers Thompson (August 6, 1883–November 12, 1954) was an American physician who served as Assistant Surgeon General of the United States and as Director of the National Institutes of Health.

Early life and education Thompson was born on 6 August 1883 in Lafayette, Indiana. He completed his MD degree at Louisville Medical College (later absorbed into the University of Louisville), after which he took a position with the Philippine Constabulary.

Public Health Service Thompson began his career with the United States Public Health Service in 1910, with an appointment as an assistant surgeon.

He rose through the ranks of the agency, and by 1930 was the chief of the Division of Scientific Research. In this position, he performed field investigations on a range of public health issues, from childhood nutrition and dental issues to industrial hygiene and stream pollution. He was also appointed Assistant Surgeon General in 1930, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1946.

Building the new NIH When the Division of Scientific Research was merged with Hygienic Laboratory to form the NIH in 1930, Thompson was chosen to be the director of the consolidated agency.

Later career Thompson stepped down as director on January 31, 1942, but continued to work with the Public Health Service for several years. From 1943 until his retirement, he was associate chief, and then chief, of the agency's Bureau of State Services. During World War II and its aftermath, he was chief of the Medical Division of the United States Strategic Bombing Survey in Japan. He retired from the Public Health Service in late 1946.

After the Public Health Service After his retirement, Thompson took a position as a scientific director for the Rockefeller Foundation's international health division. He died on 12 November 1954 at the Baltimore Public Health Service Hospital and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.