Robert Califf, MD, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has been confirmed as the speaker for the annual Eugene A. Stead Jr., MD, Medicine Grand Rounds lecture on November 15 at 8 a.m.
Each year, a visiting professor speaks on a topic about internal medicine, health policy, or innovation in health care to honor Stead’s legacy. This year, the lecture will be held as an event for Duke University’s Centennial Celebration. Stead was chair of the Department of Medicine from 1947 to 1967 and assisted in the creation of the physician assistant role.
Dr. Califf is nationally recognized as an expert in cardiovascular medicine, clinical research, health outcomes research, health care quality, and as a distinguished leader of translational research.
As FDA Commissioner, Dr. Califf works to ensure that drugs, vaccines, medical devices, cosmetics, the nation’s food supply, and dietary supplements, are safe and effective. He served in this same role from 2016-2017, and prior to that, served as the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco.
Dr. Califf was a professor in the Duke Department of Medicine and held several leadership positions, including vice chancellor for Clinical and Translational Research, director of the Duke Translational Medicine Institute, and founding director of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, which was originally formed under Stead’s guidance as the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Diseases
He also served as head of medical strategy and senior advisor at Alphabet, Incorporated and received his medical degree and completed a cardiology fellowship at Duke University.
The lecture will be held in-person only in the Trent Semans Great Hall. Kathleen A. Cooney, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine, will host the event during the School of Medicine’s Medical Alumni Weekend.