Dr. Heidi Overton Nominated to Lead FDA

Why it matters locally: The nomination of Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA holds significance for Massachusetts given the state's prominent biopharmaceutical and medical device industries, which are directly regulated by the agency.

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President Trump has selected Dr. Heidi Overton as his nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Overton currently serves as a policy aide within the White House. Upon confirmation, Dr. Overton would assume leadership of an agency comprising 18,000 staff members. The FDA's responsibilities include the study and regulation of food products, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and tobacco products, among other areas. On August 10, Dr. Overton participated in a press conference where President Trump signed an executive order concerning the childhood vaccination schedule.