Here are five things to know:
1. Dr. Gottlieb may be the primary pick to run HHS due to his work within the FDA over the past seven months. He has worked to tighten tobacco product regulations and aims to increase access to generic drugs. Dr. Gottlieb has also advocated for the FDA to take a more active role in fighting opioid abuse and misuse.
2. A strong opponent on the ACA, officials are not sure how Dr. Gottlieb would address the ACA in the wake of Republicans’ failure to pass a replacement bill.
3. Former CMS Administered Andy Slavvitt said Dr. Gottlieb has thus far been “a real bright spot in the administration.”
4. A FDA spokesperson did not comment to STAT when asked if Dr. Gottlieb was under consideration for the HHS slot.
5. Former HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, resigned from his post after news surfaced on his usage of private jets for various trips. In a letter, Dr. Price states, “I have spent forty years both as a doctor and public servant putting people first. I regret that the recent events have created a distraction from these important objectives.”
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