He was also an adviser to the World Health Organisation on health policy.
The Exodus left France in July 1947 carrying survivors of the Holocaust, including more than 650 children.
Its destination was Palestine, but Britain’s Royal Navy boarded before it could dock, to prevent what was considered as illegal immigration.
Three people were killed and 30 wounded during the fighting, and many passengers were returned to Europe on prison ships.
The incident is considered by historians as a turning point in the creation of Israel, as public opinion was swayed by the sight of Holocaust survivors being forced to return to Germany.
Novelist Leon Uris retold the story in his 1958 book Exodus.
Dr Cohen is survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren.