It looks like there will be new face at the head of the United States' Food and Drug Administration. Reuters is reporting that President Barack Obama has just nominated Dr. Robert Califf as the organization's new commissioner.
The appointment still has to pass a vote in the senate, but no resistance is being anticipated. A source speaking with The Wall Street Journal says:
"Unless they're looking for a reason to slow this down to score points, he should get relatively quick approval."
A former professor at Duke University, The 63 year old Califf joined the FDA in February, serving as its deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco. The position is seen as the organization's second-in-command, so many were already tipping him to earn this nomination when he joined.
He's a well-respected cardiologist with an extensive background in medicine and clinical research. He's a highly influential figure in the academic community. His extensive body of work counts well over 1,200 pieces of peer-reviewed literature.
"His transformative leadership at Duke, and real-world experience with patients make him a remarkable choice that will bring important new perspectives to an already strong agency," said Friends of Cancer Research Chairwoman Ellen Sigal. The organization frequently collaborates with the FDA and other health agencies to help shape public policy. "This is the right choice at the right time for a complex agency that impacts all Americans."
"He's widely respected by the medical community and represents a terrific choice to lead the FDA," said Dr. Steven Nissen, head of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, in the Reuters report. "He has good ideas but he doesn't run over people with them. He will get along well with Congress."
