Leo D. Moss, M.D. (June 5, 1911 - December 19, 2006)
- Former Medical Director, Laboratory Director and Commissioner - Cattaraugus County Health Department
- 55 years of service
- Posthumous Award
Dr. Leo Moss began working at the Health Department in 1948, as a part time Pathologist. In 1960, Dr. Moss was appointed part-time Laboratory Director, and then acted as the full-time Commissioner of Health from 1974-1984. On June 5, 2003, his 92nd birthday, and after 55 years of service, he retired. Dr. Moss was quoted as saying, "the prevention of illness is most important in pathology. It is only natural for a pathologist to take an interest in public health."
During an outbreak in the Amish country, Dr. Moss was able to discuss the community's follow up needs and the benefits of the polio vaccine in German. While communicating the importance of prevention Dr. Moss was told, "We will cross that bridge when we need to." Dr. Moss replied, "Sir, you will not be able to cross that bridge if you wait." He shared his extraordinary knowledge with the entire community, and tirelessly promoted prevention and public health.
