The ACC joined the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) this week to express support for the nomination of Robert M. Califf, MD, MACC, as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and urge a timely Senate confirmation vote.

“Dr. Califf is an accomplished cardiologist, researcher and clinical trials expert who has been a driving force in the fight against heart disease and stroke throughout his career. His extensive experience, combined with his previous leadership of the FDA, will be invaluable as the agency continues to tackle a formidable set of public health challenges,” ACC President Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, FACC; AHA President Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, MD, FACC; and ABC President Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH, FACC, said in a statement.

The Biden administration in November announced its intention to nominate Califf to lead the FDA. The ACC in December submitted a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) in support of Califf’s nomination. The HELP Committee approved the nomination in January. Califf previously served as FDA commissioner from February 2016 through Jan. 20, 2017, during the Obama administration.

“Dr. Califf is uniquely suited to fill the role of FDA commissioner and manage the agency’s vital efforts to promote public health and reduce the burden of chronic disease,” the ACC, AHA and ABC presidents said in the statement. “We know from experience that Dr. Califf will prioritize science and evidence-based policymaking at the helm of the FDA, just as he has throughout his impressive career. On behalf of the thousands of cardiologists and the millions of cardiovascular disease patients nationwide, we urgently ask the Senate to confirm Dr. Califf with bipartisan support.”

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Stroke, Heart Diseases, Chronic Disease, Health Education, Cardiovascular Diseases, American Heart Association, Public Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Cardiologists

< Back to Listings