Johann Christian Stark (the Elder)

Johann Christian Stark (the Elder) (29 June 1694 – 17 November 1771) was a German physician and court physician. He is distinguished from other physicians of the same name, particularly his grandson Johann Christian Stark (the Younger), by the epithet "the Elder" (German: der Ältere).

Stark the Elder served as a personal physician to members of the royal families of the House of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. His career was primarily based in Gotha. He was known for his contributions to general medicine and his practical approach to patient care. He also served as a professor of medicine, although details about his professorship are sparse in available literature. While he did not publish extensively, his influence stemmed from his clinical practice and his role within the Gotha court. Further information about his specific medical contributions is limited by the availability of readily accessible primary and secondary sources.