FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Doctors for America
PO Box: 21161
2300 18th St NW Lbby
Washington, DC 20009-9996
March 14, 2025
Doctors for America’s Statement on the decision to rescind the nomination of Dr. Weldon to lead the CDC
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Doctors for America’s (DFA) FDA Task Force applauds the decision to withdraw the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to serve as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DFA was deeply concerned about Dr. Weldon’s past record of promoting discredited theories about vaccine safety. At a time when the country is facing a growing measles outbreak, the nation needs public health leaders willing to defend vaccine safety, not publicly challenge settled science. A CDC Director even alluding to skepticism about the safety and efficacy of vaccines undermines the agency’s work and public confidence in the institution.
We urge the White House to consider the following requisites as they search for a qualified nominee to lead the CDC. A nominee to lead the CDC should:
- State a commitment to vaccine safety and efficacy, and agree that no reorganization shall disrupt the planning for the next series of vaccines,
- Continue promotion of settled science unless there is a consensus on new data,
- Commit to more transparency and public involvement at the agency,
- State a commitment to and understanding of environmental health,
- Agree to coordination with global infectious disease centers to control outbreaks of dire diseases.
For press inquiries and to speak more on this issue with members of the Doctors for America FDA Task Force please contact Alli Everton with Continuum Health Group ([email protected]).
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About Doctors for America:
Doctors for America mobilizes doctors and medical students to be leaders in putting patients over politics to improve the health of our patients, communities, and nation. DFA is an organization of over 27,000 physician and medical student advocates in all 50 states, representing all areas of specialization. DFA teaches physicians and medical students advocacy skills and does advocacy at a state and federal level. Our impact areas focus on access to affordable care, community health and prevention, and health justice and equity. DFA focuses solely on what is best for our patients, not on the business side of medicine, and does not accept any funding from pharmaceutical or medical device companies, which uniquely positions DFA as the organization that puts patients over politics and patients over profits. Find out more at doctorsforamerica.org and on Twitter drsforamerica or Bluesky drsforamerica.bsky.social.