Andrew Semple (physician)

Andrew Semple (1907-1986) was a Scottish physician and public health administrator. He served as Chief Medical Officer of Health for the City of Liverpool from 1947 to 1972, a period of significant urban renewal and public health challenges. During his tenure, Semple was instrumental in addressing issues such as air pollution, infectious diseases, and housing conditions. He made notable contributions to the understanding and control of zoonotic diseases, particularly leptospirosis (Weil's disease), prevalent among sewer workers.

Semple's career included extensive research and writing on public health matters. He was a proponent of preventative medicine and advocated for improvements in sanitation and housing to promote health and well-being. He also played a key role in establishing the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine's Occupational Health Unit. His work left a lasting impact on public health practices and policies in Liverpool and beyond. After retirement, he continued to contribute to the field as a consultant and advisor.