As the U.S. awaits formal appointments to its federal health agencies, interim leaders are temporarily steering these vital organizations. Amidst this transitioning landscape, it is crucial to understand who is taking the helm during these times. This article introduces the current acting heads and provides insights into their roles and backgrounds.
Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services: Dr. Dorothy Fink
Dr. Dorothy Fink, bringing extensive expertise in endocrinology, internal medicine, and pediatrics, currently serves as the Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Fink is also a notable advocate for women’s health, having led the Office on Women's Health within HHS. During her interim tenure, she has emphasized pausing certain communications until vetted by political appointees and prioritized reassessing guidelines to ensure adherence to federal conscience laws.
Fink's past clinical practice focused on women’s health, specifically areas like diabetes and nutrition. Her dedication to empowering women’s health was evident in her support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which tackles crucial issues such as women’s well-being and family strengthening.
Acting Director of the National Institutes of Health: Dr. Matthew Memoli
Dr. Matthew Memoli is well-regarded within the NIH community for his research on infectious diseases. Leading the Laboratory of Infectious Disease Clinical Studies Unit, Memoli focuses on influenza and respiratory illnesses. His approach involves translating scientific findings into practical vaccines and therapeutics.
Dr. Memoli has brought a unique perspective to the ongoing COVID-19 dialogue, advocating for focused vaccination strategies rather than blanket mandates. As Acting Director, Memoli aims to facilitate a seamless transition for the upcoming permanent director, keeping health research momentum steady.
Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Jeff Wu
Jeff Wu, an adept legal and business expert, temporarily leads the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Previously the deputy director for policy at CMS, Wu's work on Affordable Care Act policies underscores his dedication to creating efficient healthcare systems.
Wu's legal background, combined with his experience in managing healthcare policies, supports CMS’s commitment to refining enrollment processes and combating fraud. His work promotes more robust health insurance markets vital for American consumers.
Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration: Dr. Sara Brenner
With a significant role in the national COVID-19 response, Dr. Sara Brenner is now the Acting Commissioner at the FDA. Her career is marked by integrating preventive medicine with public health strategies. Brenner’s focus has been on boosting medical countermeasure initiatives and orchestrating comprehensive federal operations during the pandemic.
Her previous leadership roles within the FDA and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy underline her capacity for impactful medical and scientific leadership, aimed at enhancing public health outsourcing.
Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Dr. Susan Monarez
Drawing from her profound experience at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, Dr. Susan Monarez is at the helm of the CDC. Her work has pivoted around ethical artificial intelligence use to better health outcomes and tackle systemic issues like the opioid crisis and maternal health disparities.
Dr. Monarez’s leadership at the CDC embodies her forward-thinking approach, elevating health solutions through innovation and policy-driven strategies.
These interim leaders are guiding the nation’s health institutions through transitional times, setting the stage for future leadership to build upon their foundations and drive progress in public health policy and care.