Though no official comment is yet available from the White House, two anonymous advisers told The New York Times Scott Gottlieb, MD, commissioner of the FDA, and Seema Verma, CMS administrator, were likely candidates. The Times also noted VA Secretary David Shulkin and former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal are potential candidates for the role.
Politico reported a handful of additional potentials for the role, including former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, R, Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, MD, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Florida Gov. Rick Scott, R, former Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., talk show host Mehmet Oz, MD, Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., and former Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich.
In the meantime, President Trump has appointed Don Wright, MD, to fill the role in the interim. Dr. Wright was serving as HHS’ acting assistant secretary before the appointment.
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