Robert Califf Nominated as Next FDA Commissioner By President Obama
Cardiologist and former medical researcher Robert Califf, M.D. has been nominated as the next commissioner of FDA by President Obama. Coming from Duke University, Califf joined FDA earlier this year as the deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco. He would replace Stephen Ostroff, M.D., FDA’s acting commissioner since Margaret Hamburg’s departure in March. The Senate must confirm the nomination, but opposition is not anticipated.
Califf clearly has a solid background in the medical field. His nomination comes at a time when FDA is undertaking significant issues right now, as it continues to manage the Affordable Care Act, the recently passed 21st Century Cures Act, concerns in tobacco regulation, and prepares for the implementation of FSMA.