An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Welcomes Robert Califf Back to HHS as FDA Commissioner
This is Dr. Califf’s second time serving in the role.
Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra released a statement welcoming Dr. Robert M. Califf back to HHS as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Califf is a prominent cardiologist with extensive clinical research experience who was confirmed on a bipartisan basis. He previously served as commissioner of the agency during the last year of the Obama-Biden Administration. Prior to that, he served as the agency’s deputy commissioner of medical products and tobacco. Dr. Califf began work this afternoon right after he was sworn in.
“The Senate made the right move this week by confirming Dr. Califf to lead the FDA,” said Secretary Becerra. “The FDA is one of our nation’s most critical public health agencies and having a commissioner with Dr. Califf’s experience and expertise will ensure we are well positioned to combat COVID-19, the opioid crisis, and many other public health challenges. Dr. Califf can hit the ground running on these issues and more as a result of his previous service at the agency, and I look forward to working with him in this role.
“As we welcome Dr. Califf back to HHS, we also vigorously applaud and thank Dr. Janet Woodcock who successfully led FDA as acting commissioner for more than a year. FDA is stronger because of her leadership.”
For general media inquiries, please contact media@hhs.gov.
Content created by Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA) Content last reviewed
Disclaimer Policy: Links with this icon () mean that you are leaving the HHS website.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot guarantee the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not mean that HHS or its employees endorse the sponsors, information, or products presented on the website. HHS links outside of itself to provide you with further information.
You will be bound by the destination website's privacy policy and/or terms of service when you follow the link.
HHS is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on private websites.
For more information on HHS's web notification policies, see Website Disclaimers.