Contact: Katharine Glenn, kglenn@acc.org, 202-375-6472

WASHINGTON (Jan 27, 2015) -

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration appointed Robert Califf, MD, MACC, as the FDA Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco. In his new role, Califf will oversee the FDA centers dedicated to medical products and tobacco, such as the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, while providing medical and policy advice to the Commissioner as the Agency works to protect public health and safety. ACC President Patrick T. O’Gara, MD, FACC, offered the organization’s congratulations to Dr. Califf in the following statement:

“The ACC is proud to see such a distinguished member of our organization called into service by the FDA to help ensure that public health and safety remain national priorities. Dr. Califf will oversee policy initiatives related to precision medicine, the approval of new therapies – including drugs and devices, preventive medicine and the regulation of tobacco products. He will play a vital role in fostering innovation in public health while protecting public safety by serving as a bridge between medical professionals and the FDA.

“Dr. Califf is an outstanding and highly acclaimed leader in the cardiovascular community who has been recognized by his colleagues throughout his career, including having been awarded the designation of Master of the American College of Cardiology for his dedicated service to cardiology and excellence in research. We are confident the work he’s done in the cardiovascular field will translate across specialties in his new role with the FDA. We look forward to supporting Dr. Califf’s important work to improve the nation's health.”

The American College of Cardiology is a 47,000-member medical society that is the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team. The mission of the College is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College operates national registries to measure and improve care, provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet stringent qualifications. For more information, visit acc.org.

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