Andreas Joseph von Stifft

Andreas Joseph von Stifft (30 November 1760 – 16 June 1836) was an Austrian physician who influenced the teaching of medicine in Austria.

Although considered scientifically mediocre and even as "incompetent",[1] he had great political influence that he used to changed the course of medical study, enhancing the duration of study from four to five years and making a two-year clinical practice a condition for receiving a degree.

He wrote a two-volume work on medical therapeutics in 1790-1792 which led to his being invited to reorganize the Josephinium Academy.

In 1802 he became a councillor in the court and in 1803, following the death of von Störck he became personal physician to Emperor Franz I and followed him in campaigns from 1813 to 1815.

He promoted the Vienna Medical School and introduced the natural sciences of chemistry, botany and pharmacy as courses for physicians.