Robert Califf, MD, MACC, currently the vice chancellor of clinical and translational research, director of Duke University’s Translational Medicine Institute and a professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at Duke’s Medical Center, has been named the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) deputy commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco. In his new role, Califf will oversee the FDA’s centers dedicated to medical products and tobacco, such as the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. He will provide important policy direction for the FDA and manage initiatives on personalized medicine and pediatric science, to name a few.

Califf attended undergrad and medical school at Duke University, and has board certification in internal medicine and cardiology. According to the FDA announcement, Califf is a “nationally and internationally recognized expert in cardiovascular medicine, health outcomes research, health care quality, and clinical research,” and will join the FDA in late February.

ACC President Patrick T. O’Gara, MD, FACC, offered the organization’s congratulations to 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.”

Keywords: United States Food and Drug Administration, Academies and Institutes, Certification, Drug Evaluation, Precision Medicine, Internal Medicine, Medicine, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Pediatrics, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Public Health, Tobacco, Translational Medical Research

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