High Turnover in Top FDA and CDC Roles: 15 Leaders in 18 Months Amid Leadership Instability

Three top roles at CDC, FDA's CBER, and CDER filled by 15 different people in less than 18 months since January 2025.

CDC director position has seen at least 6 leaders, including interim Jim O’Neill and current NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya.

CBER had 5 directors, including Vinay Prasad's brief tenure and current acting director Katherine Szarama.

CDER also had 5 directors, with Tracy Beth Høeg currently acting after Richard Pazdur's exit.

Turnover linked to Trump administration changes, RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary, resignations, and industry concerns over instability.

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