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Dr. Alex McDonald shares a letter he recently sent to Senator Bill Cassidy expressing urgent concerns regarding HHS leadership and public health integrity.

Dear Senator Cassidy,

As a family and sports medicine physician and a concerned citizen, I am writing to you today with profound alarm regarding the recent actions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. I understand you serve as the distinguished Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, a position that carries immense responsibility for safeguarding the health and well-being of our nation.

I am deeply troubled by the systematic dismantling of established public health structures under the current HHS leadership, as well as the propagation of misinformation and the casting of doubt among the public concerning the critical importance of vaccination and scientific research. Such actions directly undermine decades of scientific progress and erode public trust in essential health institutions, and risk America’s standing as a scientific leader and economic power in the world.

Most recently, the dismissal of all seventeen members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is unprecedented, unacceptable, and dangerous. Composed of medical and public health professionals with diverse specialties, the ACIP meticulously reviews scientific data, clinical trials, and epidemiologic information to formulate guidance on vaccine use in the United States. Despite Mr. Kennedy’s claims, the ACIP is independent of external pressures, including governmental or pharmaceutical influence, and disclosure and divesting protocols ensure that its recommendations are solely driven by scientific rigor and a commitment to public well-being, thereby fostering trust and maximizing the effectiveness of vaccination programs.

Furthermore, gutting research funding is short-sighted and harmful.  National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research is absolutely critical for America to be a global leader in science and technology, driving advancements that profoundly improve health and spur economic prosperity. These investments lay the groundwork for discoveries, from life-saving treatments and diagnostic tools to revolutionary technologies that shape industries and create jobs. For instance, every dollar invested in NIH research generates significant economic activity, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and fueling the biotechnology sector, which in turn creates new companies. Cutting research funding is therefore an incredibly shortsighted approach. Such reductions not only stifle the pipeline of innovation and hinder the development of future cures and technologies, but also diminish America’s attractiveness to top scientific talent, undermine its global competitiveness, and ultimately lead to less prosperity both domestically and on the world stage.

As a physician, I regularly witness the direct impact of robust public health initiatives and widespread vaccination on the health of individuals, families, and communities. The decisions and rhetoric emanating from the HHS directly affect my ability to provide optimal care and protect my patients. The spread of misinformation about vaccinations is particularly egregious, jeopardizing herd immunity, increasing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks, and creating unnecessary fear and confusion.

Senator Cassidy, your leadership on the HELP Committee is vital in this critical moment. I urge you to hold the Secretary of Health and Human Services accountable for these actions, and if he will not, then you must demand his resignation. It is imperative that the HELP Committee ensure that the HHS prioritizes evidence-based public health policies, restores integrity to its communications, and actively works to rebuild public trust in vaccination and other essential health measures.

Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter. I believe that a strong and trusted public health and scientific research infrastructure is fundamental to our nation’s prosperity and security, and I look forward to your decisive action to address these serious concerns.

Sincerely,

Alex McDonald, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM
Family and Sports Medicine Physician

Any views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and/or participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policy, or position of Physician’s Weekly, their employees, and affiliates.