Senate confirms cardiologist Robert Califf as next FDA commissioner

The United States Senate has voted to confirm Robert Califf, MD, a practicing cardiologist and professor of cardiology at the Duke University School of Medicine, as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The 50-46 vote was uncharacteristically close, with six Republicans supporting Califf’s confirmation and five Democrats opposing it. There were consistent concerns about Califf’s close ties to the pharmaceutical industry and his stance on patient access to abortion medications. In the end, however, President Joe Biden’s choice made it through the confirmation process and will go on to lead the FDA.

“Dr. Robert Califf is one of the most experienced clinical trialists in the country and has the experience and expertise to lead the FDA during a critical time in our nation’s fight to put an end to the coronavirus pandemic,” Biden said in a statement when his choice of Califf was made official. “As the FDA considers many consequential decisions around vaccine approvals and more, it is mission critical that we have a steady, independent hand to guide the FDA. I am confident Dr. Califf will ensure that the FDA continues its science and data driven decision-making.”

Califf, of course, is no stranger to this role. He briefly served as FDA commissioner under President Barack Obama in 2016. It was reported at the time that prominent cardiologists hoped he would stay in the role under President Donald Trump, but that did not happen. 

The American Heart Association (AHA) welcomed Califf’s confirmation in a new statement, describing him as a “relentless force in the fight against heart disease and stroke.”

“With a distinguished career in public service and a long-time volunteer leader at the AHA, Dr. Califf has honed his ability to communicate and build trust with diverse constituencies,” the organization said. “He will use his experience as a cardiologist to safeguard the health and well-being of people throughout the country, and his background in research to prioritize science and evidence-based policymaking. His previous leadership of the FDA will enable him to hit the ground running and ensure the agency can meet the current public health threats.”

Further highlighting the high level of support for Califf among cardiologists, the AHA, American College of Cardiology and Association of Black Cardiologists issued a joint statement in support of Califf’s nomination on Feb. 10.

Related Content on Robert Califf:

Senators to question cardiologist Robert Califf, Biden’s nominee to lead FDA, on industry ties and COVID-19 response

American Heart Association responds to nomination of cardiologist Robert Califf for FDA commissioner

Biden expected to choose cardiologist who served under Obama as next FDA commissioner

Former FDA chiefs want White House to cease ‘deeply troubling’ interference in scientific matters

Cardiologists support Califf remaining as FDA commissioner in Trump administration

Former FDA commissioner Robert Califf named chairman of new nonprofit organization

Former FDA commissioner to head Alphabet’s health strategy

As FDA commissioner, Califf plans on focusing on evidence-based medicine

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."