Tracy Beth Høeg, a physician and ultramarathon runner, has been appointed as the acting director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, effective Monday. Høeg previously expressed concerns about climate change denial in political discourse, highlighting the importance of scientific evidence in decision-making. However, her recent tenure as a scientific adviser to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has raised questions among FDA staff about her ability to impartially evaluate the benefits and risks of medical treatments. Critics within the agency fear that her approach may compromise the integrity of drug regulation, which relies heavily on objective scientific analysis. Høeg's supporters, including her superiors and former colleagues, assert that she is qualified for the role, but the apprehensions voiced by staff reflect broader concerns about maintaining rigorous standards in drug evaluation processes.
