Tom Cooper faced weight issues after graduating from medical school, but he began searching for a solution to more than just his own problem.
“He started treating patients that had hypertension and diabetes, and their illnesses were worse because they were overweight,” said his wife, Sharon Cooper. “A medical rep came in one day and said, ‘We have a new weight-loss program, do you want to try it?’ He lost all his weight, and he started studying about how to lose weight and he went all over the county taking courses and becoming an expert on how to help patients lose weight.”
Cooper graduated from Emory University’s School of Medicine in 1962 and received his master’s in public health in 1985. Known as a pioneer in bariatric medicine, the branch of medicine dealing with the treatment of obesity and similar diseases, his practices led doctors from across the county to attend seminars with him speaking on how to incorporate weight-loss procedures into their treatments.
But Cooper didn’t only treat patients in his offices. In 1967, he founded the Doctor of the Day program for the Georgia General Assembly, which makes available an on-site doctor while the Legislature is in session.
“When they are in session, there is a doctor on hand to take care of anybody,” practice manager Eric Bowles said. “The first few years Dr. Cooper staffed it himself, and now they have a different doctor every day.”
James Thomas “Tom” Cooper, 78, of Marietta, died Thursday at WellStar Kennestone Hospital from a heart attack. A memorial gathering will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Northside United Methodist Church followed by a funeral. His burial will take place at the historic Oakland Cemetery. H.M. Patterson and Son, Canton Hill, is handling arrangements.
Bowles said Cooper was always thinking about his patients’ well-being.
“It was therapy for him to help people,” Bowles said.
Cooper also opened the first hospital in Woodstock with the help of his medical partner Evan Boddy in 1968.
Sharon Cooper, a state representative, said her husband was supportive of her political career, helping her campaign.
“When I ran for office he would literally work until 6 o’ clock,” Cooper said. “He would go out and knock on doors for me, and in the areas he walked in, I won with high numbers. I’m not sure whether it was him being such a great communicator with people or because it was so hot and people felt sorry for him.”
Cooper was also known for appearing with former WSB radio host Ludlow Porch for various political satire shows, and local lawyer and friend Matt Mashburn said his humor was quick and subtle.
Mashburn said Cooper created a YouTube video showing a satirical view of what a health care review board might look like if taken over by political activists instead of doctors.
“He made his point, but he was funny and clever as well,” Mashburn said. “I’ve been around politics my whole life, and this was one of the best pieces of political satire I’ve ever seen.”
Cooper said her husband could speak seven languages and that reading brought him comfort his entire life, even when he thought he was having a heart attack. He brought his two Kindles with him in the ambulance, she said.
Other than his wife, he is survived by his daughters Sarah Margaret “Margi” Wright of Sandy Springs and Elizabeth Jean “Betsy” Kistler of Tampa, Fla.; his sister, Pat Neely of Conyers; and two granddaughters.
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