Rob Califf, MD, professor of medicine (Cardiology) and vice chancellor for clinical research, has been named deputy commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco at the Food and Drug Administration.
Califf will begin his appointment, which was announced today by FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, at the end of February.
“Dr. Califf has been a transformational leader at Duke for 33 years, always working to improve research and clinical care to benefit patients at Duke and around the world,” said Nancy C. Andrews, MD, PhD, dean of the Duke University School of Medicine. “Recognized at Duke and among his colleagues nationally as a visionary committed to ensuring the safety and health of our global community, Dr. Califf will bring a passionate commitment to his new role with the FDA just as he has to his many roles at Duke.”
“I am delighted to accept this role with the FDA to work with its leaders and the broader government agencies to improve public health by advancing the safety and effectiveness of medical products,” Califf said. “This position will allow me the opportunity to apply the insights I have gained from my experience working for over 30 years with the many bright and dedicated people in the Duke family to help shape the future of medicine and public health.”
As deputy commissioner of the FDA, Califf will provide executive leadership to the agency’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and the Center for Tobacco Products.
Califf will also oversee the Office of Special Medical Programs in the Office of the Commissioner, playing a critical role in providing high-level advice and policy direction for the federal agency’s medical product and tobacco priorities. He will also manage crosscutting clinical, scientific and regulatory initiatives in several key areas, including orphan drugs, pediatric science, and the agency’s advisory committee system.