DC Diagnosis: Trump Healthcare Leadership Team of Makary, Dr. Oz

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What you need to know about the new nominees

President-elect Trump has announced his choice to lead the FDA and CDC and take on the role of surgeon general. Here’s what you need to know:

• Marty Makari, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and outspoken critic of parts of the American medical system, is Trump’s choice for FDA commissioner. He has echoed RFK Jr.’s views. previously defended. Trump says he will guide the agency in tackling “harmful” chemicals and pharmaceuticals to combat chronic childhood diseases. More.

• Dave Welton is the projected candidate for CDC director. The former Florida congressman is a doctor who questions the safety of vaccines and opposes access to abortion. Trump has tasked him with reforming the agency — he has backed several potential changes over the years. More.

• Janette Nesheiwat, a physician and former Fox News contributor, will be nominated as surgeon general. Nesheiwat has no history of criticizing vaccines. She is currently the medical director at CityMD, an urgent care network. More.

What this means for the FDA

Makary has criticized – sometimes using strong language – the agency he will now lead. That criticism increased sharply during the coronavirus pandemic, when the doctor argued that the FDA did not act quickly enough to approve Covid-19 vaccines and treatments.