Thomas Lawson (military physician)

Thomas Lawson (August 29, 1789 – May 15, 1861) was an American physician who served as Surgeon General of the United States Army for over 24 years.

With troops concentrated around his garrison for the Seminole War, he was appointed the medical director of Fort Mitchell, Alabama.

After the Seminole War there were few activities needing the attention of the Surgeon General, but Lawson worked to create many changes within the medical department of the military.

During the Mexican–American War Lawson accompanied General Winfield Scott from Vera Cruz to Mexico City as a medical advisor.

Lawson also worked to grant military rank to surgeons, resulting in the passage of an 1847 act to this effect.