Biden chooses cancer surgeon to lead NIH

Monica Bertagnolli, the Boston cancer surgeon President Biden picked on Monday to lead the National Institutes of Health, faces a daunting job at the nation’s premier health research agency: restoring faith in science.

Before she gets that chance, she will have to face Republican senators who are deeply skeptical of the NIH following its politicization during the Covid pandemic.

“She’s a female leader in oncology. There are not as many of us as there could be,” said Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, where Bertagnolli has served on the board.

Having thick skin and a clear vision propelled Bertagnolli as a leader, Knudsen explained. “We would not have gotten to this point in our career if we let chatter or distractions keep us from doing our job.”

Politico - May 15, 2023