Martin Makary Becomes the 27th FDA Commissioner

Martin Makary, a leading surgeon, researcher, and health policy expert, has been sworn in as the 27th Commissioner of Food and Drugs, following his confirmation by a bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. welcomed Dr. Makary with the following statement:

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Makary to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration. He is a national leader in medicine with impeccable credentials. His extensive research, clinical experience, and national leadership make him uniquely qualified to lead the FDA as we work together to Make America Healthy Again.”

Dr. Makary expressed his excitement about the new role, saying:

“I am honored and humbled to assume this role at the FDA under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Kennedy. I look forward to working with this Administration and the FDA workforce to advance our shared goals in meeting the agency’s public health mission. As Commissioner, I hope to ensure that the FDA holds to the gold standard of trusted science, transparency, and common sense so that we can Make America Healthy Again.”

In this position, Dr. Makary is responsible for overseeing the entire FDA portfolio and ensuring the enforcement of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, along with other relevant laws. This includes safeguarding the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines, biological products, and medical devices; ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and products emitting electronic radiation; as well as regulating tobacco products.

Dr. Makary’s appointment signals a new era for the FDA-one focused on scientific integrity, transparency, and rebuilding public trust. As he steps into this critical role, the health community and the nation will be watching closely as he leads the agency forward.

Dr. Martin Makary: A Career in Medicine and Policy

Early Career and Expertise

Before taking on his role as the 27th Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Martin A. Makary spent much of his career at Johns Hopkins University, where he specialized in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery and served as Chief of Islet Transplant Surgery. He was also a professor at both the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Carey Business School, where he focused on health policy, healthcare costs, and improving the doctor-patient relationship.

Academic and Research Contributions

Dr. Makary has written over 250 peer-reviewed articles and is a regular contributor to publications like The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. He’s also the author of several best-selling books, including Unaccountable, which explores transparency in healthcare and inspired the hit TV show The Resident, The Price We Pay, which looks at the rising costs of healthcare, and Blind Spots, which examines medical errors and their impact on patient health.

Awards and Recognitions

He has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Nobility in Science Award from the National Pancreas Foundation. He’s also served as a leader in the World Health Organization’s Patient Safety Program and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2018.

Education and Training

Dr. Makary graduated from Bucknell University, earned his M.P.H. from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and received his M.D. from the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his surgical residency at Georgetown University and his sub-specialty training at Johns Hopkins.

About the FDA

The FDA, a key agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health. It ensures the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines, biological products for human use, and medical devices. Additionally, the FDA is responsible for protecting the safety and security of the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and regulating tobacco products.

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