Dr. Marty Makary, a vocal critic of COVID-19 mandates, is a professor and surgeon at Johns Hopkins University.
President-elect Donald Trump has selected Dr. Marty Makary to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Trump stated in a nomination announcement that the FDA has lost the trust of Americans and its primary regulatory focus. He mentioned that his pick for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., would collaborate with Makary, as the FDA falls under the HHS umbrella.
Dr. Makary, known for his criticisms of COVID-19 mandates, hails from England and is of Coptic Christian descent. He has earned degrees from Bucknell University, Thomas Jefferson University, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
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He gained recognition for developing a detailed surgical protocol that helps prevent critical oversights in patient care. His surgery checklist, featured in Dr. Atul Gawandeâs book âThe Checklist Manifesto,â emphasizes the importance of meticulous actions.
In his 2019 book “The Price We Pay,” Makary addressed the high costs and inefficiencies within the U.S. healthcare system.
In 2020, he endorsed universal masking, advocating for it in a New York Times opinion piece in May of that year.
However, he later emerged as a vocal critic of certain aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic response, including policies from the agency he may soon lead.
During a 2021 House of Representatives testimony, the Johns Hopkins professor opposed the FDA’s mandate for booster shots and criticized the U.S. approach to natural immunity.
He elaborated on his concerns about the COVID-19 response during a September 2024 episode of EpochTV’s “American Thought Leaders.”
âThe essence of science is to establish a transparent foundation for discussing ideas. The medical profession has a rich tradition of tailoring recommendations to individuals based on their unique needs, preferences, and physiology. We must preserve this freedom to personalize care for individuals.â
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) praised the nomination.
Dr. Tracy HĂžeg, a California-based physician, also commended Makary.
However, some physicians expressed reservations about the selection.
Immunologist Dr. Andrea Love on Bluesky raised concerns about Makary’s familiarity with medical regulations.
Dr. Vin Gupta, a lung specialist and MSNBC contributor, echoed similar apprehensions, suggesting that Kennedy, Jr.’s influence played a role in the decision.
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