Howard Markel

About the Author

Howard Markel is a distinguished physician, historian, and professor at the University of Michigan, where he holds the George E. Wantz Distinguished Professor of the History of Medicine chair. A leading voice in medical history, Markel has authored several acclaimed books that illuminate the intersections of science, society, and public health. His latest work, The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek, offers a riveting exploration of the Kellogg brothers—John Harvey and Will Keith—and their transformative roles in American health reform, cereal innovation, and the wellness movement at their famed Battle Creek Sanitarium. Drawing on extensive archival research, Markel's narrative blends meticulous scholarship with engaging storytelling, revealing how these eccentric siblings shaped modern dietary habits and institutional care. Beyond academia, he contributes to outlets like The New York Times and PBS, advocating for informed perspectives on health crises from pandemics to policy debates.