Gottlieb's Parting Words For US FDA: 'Be Willing To Push' For Major Policy Changes

Outgoing Commissioner tells staff, “No phrase bothered me more than when I heard people say to me they didn’t want to do something important because they wanted to ‘preserve their political capital.’” FDA should not to worry about spending political capital, Gottlieb argued, because it is replenished upon accomplishing important things.

Gottlieb speaking
Outgoing FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb addresses employees during the final all-hands meeting of his tenure. • Source: HHS photo

Outgoing Commissioner Scott Gottlieb exited the US FDA proud and unapologetic about the sometimes contentious issues he took on during his tenure, telling staff that the commissioner must be willing to challenge "powerful interests and policy makers."

In a farewell speech to employees on April 4, Gottlieb said an agency head must seek support, but also "assert...

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