February 15, 2022 – The Society for Women’s Health Research released the following statement following the Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Robert Califf to serve as the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Food and Drug Administration.
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) applauds the Senate for confirming Robert M. Califf, MD MACC, to serve as the Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Given the agency’s jurisdiction over critical public health areas, such as vaccines—including COVID-19 vaccines—opioids, treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, tobacco, and more, the agency could no longer afford to have its chief position vacant.
Dr. Califf brings firsthand experience of leading the FDA, having previously served as both Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of the agency. A renowned cardiologist and researcher, Dr. Califf also brings valuable expertise spanning clinical research, policy, and practice; data science; and health outcomes assessment to the role.
As our nation’s research agencies work to simultaneously combat and learn lessons from the COVID-19 crisis—in addition to their continued efforts to drive scientific progress—SWHR recognizes the pivotal role the FDA Commissioner has to play and believes Dr. Califf is uniquely qualified for the job.
SWHR thanks Dr. Janet Woodcock for her service as the FDA’s Acting Commissioner for the past year.
As we enter 2022, SWHR looks forward to working with Dr. Califf to advance women’s health across the lifespan, to ensure equitable and appropriate inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials, and to foster innovation in women’s health.
About SWHR
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is a national nonprofit and thought leader dedicated to promoting research on biological sex differences in disease and improving women’s health through science, policy, and education. Founded in 1990 by a group of physicians, medical researchers, and health advocates, SWHR is making women’s health mainstream by addressing unmet needs and research gaps in women’s health. Thanks to SWHR’s efforts, women are now routinely included in most major medical research studies and more scientists are considering sex as a biological variable in their research. Visit www.swhr.org for more information.