Dear Colleagues:

We realize that we have all been watching the post-election evolving news, keeping an open mind, and hoping that wisdom will prevail on all sides as the country moves forward positively. 

At the same time there is no denying that some recent actions have been concerning for anyone interested in health. In particular, the recent nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services is troubling. HHS reflects nearly 23% of the US federal budget, and is responsible for many departments and programs of core importance to health in this country, making the Secretary of HHS perhaps the most important federal government health position. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on the record as questioning the efficacy of some vaccines and embracing a range of other positions which are well outside the mainstream of public health thinking. One would like to hope that, if confirmed as secretary, Kennedy will serve wisely, balancing the science with the needs of the country and world, listening to experts and communities alike. But it seems also reasonable to express a note of apprehension given an abundant track record of concerning comments and actions.  

In all this, as we see it, our role remains to continue doing what we do—generating science and using that science to advance the conversation that promotes health. It may be that this task will be harder in coming years. If so, it will require us to be at our best indeed. Thank you for being part of our collective efforts to shape a healthier world.

Warmly,

Sandro and Michael 

Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH
Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor

Michael Stein, MD
Professor and Chair, Health Law, Policy & Management

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