Obama nominates new FDA chief

WASHINGTON —President Barack Obama submitted to the Senate his list of nominees to key administration posts for confirmation. Among the list of eight potential officials was Robert Califf, who has been nominated as the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration — a post that has been vacant since commissioner Margaret Hamburg resigned in March, with Stephen Ostroff working as acting commissioner since then.

Califf is currently the FDA’s deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco, a post he has held since March. Before joining the FDA, Califf held various positions at Duke University School of Medicine, where he was the vice chancellor, and the Duke University Medical Center, where he was director of the cardiac care unit. A cardiologist, Califf has also served on the FDA’s Cardio renal Advisory Committee from 1996 to 2000 and its Science Board working Group from 2007 to 2008.

“I am confident that these experienced and hardworking individuals will help us tackle the important challenges facing America, and I am grateful for their service,” Obama said. “I look forward to working with them.”