Obama Nominates Former NYC Health Chief Hamburg For FDA Head, Baltimore Health Chief As Deputy

Main Category: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Also Included In: Public Health;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 17 Mar 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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President Obama on Saturday announced his selection of former New York City Health Commissioner Margaret Hamburg as his nominee for FDA commissioner and Baltimore health commissioner Joshua Sharfstein as Hamburg's deputy, the AP/Arizona Daily Star reports (AP/Arizona Daily Star, 3/15). According to the Washington Post, consumer groups, food-safety advocates and patients' organizations applauded the selection of Hamburg and Sharfstein to run FDA, which has "struggled to retain public confidence amid outbreaks of food-borne illnesses, poisoning scares and drug controversies." FDA oversees products that comprise about 25% of consumer spending, including food, medical devices, prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Hamburg, a physician and bioterrorism expert, served as assistant health secretary during former President Clinton's administration. According to the Post, she is credited with helping to improve New York City's "demoralized" health department and reducing rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis (Eggen, Washington Post, 3/15). While serving as New York City health commissioner, Hamburg opposed a "morality oath" put forth by the Board of Education in 1992 when New York City was considering abstinence-only sex education. She also said that science-based public health strategies and not "moral judgment" or "wishful thinking" should be the foundation for HIV/AIDS education aimed at young people (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 3/11). Hamburg's appointment requires Senate confirmation, the Post reports. Sharfstein, a pediatrician, formerly served as a health policy aide to Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. According to the Post, Sharfstein gained national attention in 2007 when he petitioned FDA to restrict the use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for young children.

Waxman in a statement yesterday said Obama's selection of Hamburg and Sharfstein have given him "great hope for the future of the FDA." He added that both nominees have "strong public health credentials and demonstrated management abilities." According to the American Public Health Association, Hamburg's nomination "signals a commitment to protecting consumer health." The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America also said it "applauds President Obama for his expeditious selection" of Hamburg and Sharfstein (Washington Post, 3/15).

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