As a follow up to my thread last night, @SteveFDA has issued the apology at the end of a Twitter thread.
I’m glad he did. But there are 3 more things he needs to do.
I’m glad he did. But there are 3 more things he needs to do.
You will first need to decide what’s more important to you. Your lifetime of work and the reputation of the FDA or the favor of the President.
Yes, it would take courage to face criticism & name-calling from a bully, but I hope that feels like a small price.
Yes, it would take courage to face criticism & name-calling from a bully, but I hope that feels like a small price.
1. The first thing you have to do is correct the record with the actual facts visibly & publicly. That means correcting the president’s statements— not just your own.
If a manufacturer knowingly over-stated its claims & misled a public anxious for good news, as you and Trump did, you would require significant corrective action. Don’t treat yourselves any better.
2. For the benefit of the FDA scientists, you need to protect them from future political meddling. To do that you would need to speak up. There are laws & practices you could avail yourself of.
At the very least you would protect FDA scientists from being dragged down with you.
At the very least you would protect FDA scientists from being dragged down with you.
3. A principled stand would obviously require you to resign.
Does this rise to that level? Yes, it clearly it does by this test:
If you don’t feel equipped to do the right thing when you know what it is, you aren’t serving the public best— whatever your intentions.
Does this rise to that level? Yes, it clearly it does by this test:
If you don’t feel equipped to do the right thing when you know what it is, you aren’t serving the public best— whatever your intentions.
A precise explanation of the benefits & risks of an FDA approved therapy is not an ancillary part of your job. It is your job.
As you have said, staff scientists did the work. You just knowingly misrepresented it for politics.
As you have said, staff scientists did the work. You just knowingly misrepresented it for politics.
You’re now not in a good position to approve a vaccine that will be trusted by the public. This requires action.
Don’t view these steps as punishment. Resigning will be part of vindicating the Agency & is a selfless act.
These are hard jobs. Particularly when your boss is craven, the standards are higher.
I hope you get to continue to contribute to the country & scientific research.
These are hard jobs. Particularly when your boss is craven, the standards are higher.
I hope you get to continue to contribute to the country & scientific research.
For some background here is my thread on this topic.
