The influential figure in the development of modern public health standards is John Snow. He is often regarded as the father of modern epidemiology due to his pioneering work during the cholera outbreak in London in 1854. By mapping cases and linking the outbreak to contaminated water from the Broad Street pump, he demonstrated the importance of sanitation and clean water supply. Snow’s methods and advocacy for better public health measures laid the foundation for future public health policies, making significant strides towards disease prevention and management.