President-elect Donald Trump has announced his picks for the leading health positions in his upcoming cabinet.
After announcing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his choice to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Trump has also released the names of his picks for the three other leading health positions—the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the person to serve as surgeon general.
Here’s who the 47th U.S. president wants to lead:
Dr. Marty Makary - FDA Commissioner
Dr. Makary is a surgeon, the Islet Transplant Surgery chief, and a public policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University. He has held a leadership role in the World Health Organization and received the Nobility in Science Award from the National Pancreas Foundation.
Dr. Makary advocates redesigning health care in the U.S., including increasing medical transparency and lowering health care costs.
He has taught at over 25 medical schools, published 250 peer-reviewed articles, and is a New York Times bestselling author.
Dr. Makary has shown support for the HHS pick, RFK Jr.
"People should not dissect what he said 30 years ago and listen to what he's saying now," Makary said of Kennedy Jr.
In his announcement, Trump said he is "confident that Dr. Makary, having dedicated his career to high-quality, lower-cost care, will restore FDA to the gold standard of scientific research."
The FDA ensures the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs, food, medical devices, and cosmetics, as well as advancing public health through medical innovations.
Dr. Dave Weldon - CDC Director
Dr. Dave Weldon is a physician and a former Republican representative in Florida's 15th district from 1995 to 2009. He also served in the Army from 1981 to 1987 and was in the Reserve until 1992.
As a congressman, Weldon worked with the CDC to ban "patents for human embryos." He also introduced safeguards for healthcare workers and organizations that do not provide assistance in abortions.
"Dave understands American family values and views health as one of utmost importance. Dave will prioritize transparency, competence, and high standards at CDC," Trump said in a statement.
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat - Surgeon General
Dr. Nesheiwat is a double-board-certified doctor, medical director at CityMed, and an author. She has led multiple relief missions worldwide, including in Ukraine and Africa.
She is a member of the Samaritan's Purse Disaster Assistance Team and has provided medical care during crises Haiti and Poland, among others.
She is a contributor at Fox News and also owns her line of vitamin supplements, BC Boost.
Trump lauded Nesheiwat's work during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and other disasters.
"She is committed to ensuring that Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare, and believes in empowering individuals to take charge of their health to live longer, healthier lives," Trump wrote in his statement.
Trump's Cabinet Members: Other nominees for health positions
Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD - Director of National Institutes of Health
Jim O'Neill - Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services
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