President Obama appoints new commissioner of FDA
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
March 18, 2009
President Obama named Dr. Margaret Hamburg as his nominee for the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week, reports The Washington Post. Hamburg worked as the health chief for New York City, and her nomination by President Obama signals a focus on drug safety, instead of speeding drugs through the approval process, according to the article.
The FDA has of late been known for its inability to oversee the approval of medical devices and prescription medications, as well as food inspection. Hamburg's perspective on existing policies may change, as she comes from outside the FDA.
