Leadership Changes in Public Health: A New Era of Transparency and Accountability

By Dr. Eric Nepute

Trust in public health agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH has declined dramatically since the pandemic. Once pillars of scientific integrity, these institutions now face mounting skepticism, with polls showing public trust in the CDC dropping from over 50% in 2021 to less than 40% by 2023. This loss of confidence stems from years of inconsistent messaging, lack of transparency, and a perceived prioritization of political agendas over genuine health concerns.

As new leaders take the helm of these agencies, including Dr. Jay Bhattacharya at the NIH, Dr. Marty Makary at the FDA, and Dr. Dave Weldon at the CDC, the opportunity for meaningful reform is undeniable. I’ve had the privilege of working and interacting with each of these brilliant individuals throughout my career. They bring not only unmatched expertise but also a shared commitment to putting people before politics—a trait our healthcare system desperately needs.

NIH Director: Dr. Jay Bhattacharya

The NIH, as the largest global funder of biomedical and behavioral research, wields immense power over the direction of scientific discovery. With a staggering $50.1 billion budget, the NIH’s priorities dictate which health issues receive attention—and which do not.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor of medicine and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, is the right person to lead this transformation. His advocacy for focused protection during the pandemic highlighted the failures of blanket lockdowns and brought attention to the long-term consequences of such measures on mental health, the economy, and children’s development. I’ve personally witnessed Dr. Bhattacharya’s unwavering commitment to evidence-based decisions and his genuine desire to prioritize public well-being over politics.

As NIH Director, Dr. Bhattacharya has the opportunity to shift the focus toward root causes of America’s chronic disease epidemic, such as obesity, diabetes, and chemical exposure in food and the environment. He’s unafraid to tackle controversial topics, including the safety of food additives and comprehensive research on vaccine risks and benefits. I’ve had incredible discussions with Dr. Bhattacharya about the importance of scientific dialogue, and I am confident his leadership will prioritize truth and transparency.

FDA Commissioner: Dr. Marty Makary

Dr. Marty Makary’s appointment as FDA Commissioner brings hope for restoring the FDA’s reputation as the “Gold Standard” of scientific research. A Johns Hopkins surgeon and bestselling author, Dr. Makary is known for challenging consensus-driven medicine and advocating for patient-centered care. His critiques of public health responses during the pandemic evolved as new data emerged, showing his flexibility and dedication to evidence-based decision-making.

Dr. Makary and I have shared many conversations about the systemic failures in healthcare, from overpriced treatments to the lack of transparency in medical billing. His bestselling book The Price We Pay sheds light on these issues and calls for a complete overhaul of the healthcare business model. I’ve always admired his ability to blend compassion for patients with a relentless pursuit of fairness and accountability in the system.

During the pandemic, Dr. Makary’s openness to adapt to emerging evidence was refreshing. Early on, he supported masking and shutdowns but later criticized their prolonged use due to economic and social harms. He also emphasized the dangers of neglecting herd immunity and the misrepresentation of COVID-19 mortality data.

Dr. Makary’s criticism of the food industry echoes my own concerns about the toxic chemicals in our food supply. At a Senate roundtable, he passionately explained how pesticides and food additives damage gut health, leading to chronic inflammation and disease. His focus on restoring health through prevention rather than reactive treatments aligns with the BioLimitless approach I’ve championed for years.

CDC Director: Dr. Dave Weldon

Dr. Dave Weldon’s nomination as CDC Director signals a long-overdue shift toward transparency and disease prevention. As a former congressman and staunch advocate for vaccine safety, Dr. Weldon has been unafraid to challenge the status quo. I’ve had the privilege of discussing these critical issues with him in the past, and his passion for restoring trust in public health is unparalleled.

During his time in Congress, Dr. Weldon introduced multiple bills to address vaccine safety, including efforts to ban mercury in vaccines and create an independent agency for vaccine safety oversight. His critiques of the CDC’s lack of transparency, particularly its reluctance to share vaccine safety data, have resonated with many Americans who feel left in the dark.

Dr. Weldon’s legacy also includes the Weldon Amendment, which protects healthcare providers from being forced to perform abortions against their religious beliefs. While his pro-life stance has garnered both praise and criticism, his focus at the CDC will remain on its core mission: preventing disease and fostering public trust.

Dr. Weldon’s belief in open dialogue about vaccine safety mirrors my own experiences advocating for informed consent. During our discussions, he emphasized that vaccine decisions should weigh individual risks and benefits rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Path Forward

Each of these leaders—Bhattacharya, Makary, and Weldon—represents a step toward rebuilding public trust in health agencies. They share a commitment to transparency, evidence-based policies, and tackling the root causes of America’s health crises.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of working alongside these individuals, witnessing their dedication to truth and their ability to challenge deeply ingrained systems. Their leadership gives me hope that we can restore integrity to public health, prioritize prevention, and finally address the chronic diseases plaguing our nation.

For decades, Americans have been left to navigate a healthcare system driven by profit rather than patient outcomes. With leaders like Bhattacharya, Makary, and Weldon at the helm, we have an unprecedented opportunity to change that narrative. It’s time to support their efforts, demand accountability from our institutions, and take back control of our health.

This is a moment for all of us to step up, speak out, and push for a healthcare system that truly serves the people. I’ll be watching—and working—alongside these incredible leaders to ensure this new era of public health is one we can all be proud of.