Marty Makary

Dr. Marty Makary stands as a prominent figure in modern surgery, distinguished by his expertise in surgical oncology and advanced laparoscopic gastrointestinal procedures. His tenure at Johns Hopkins Hospital, a globally recognized medical institution, has been marked by significant contributions to both clinical practice and healthcare systems.

He holds the esteemed Mark Ravitch Chair in Gastrointestinal Surgery, underscoring his leadership in the field. Makary has been at the forefront of surgical innovation, notably performing the first laparoscopic Whipple and Frey’s procedures at Johns Hopkins. These complex operations, when performed laparoscopically, represent a substantial advancement, offering patients less invasive treatment options and faster recovery times.

Beyond individual surgical feats, Makary has dedicated himself to systemic quality improvement. He played a pivotal role in developing 'The Surgery Checklist' in collaboration with the World Health Organization, a landmark initiative that standardized surgical protocols worldwide, drastically reducing preventable deaths and complications. His leadership roles within Johns Hopkins, including Director of Quality and Safety for Surgery, highlight his commitment to embedding safety and efficiency into the fabric of medical care.

Dr. Makary's influence extends far beyond the operating room through his prolific writing and advocacy. As a bestselling author, he has penned works such as 'Unaccountable,' 'The Price We Pay,' and 'Blind Spots,' which critically examine the intricacies and often-opaque nature of the American healthcare system.

These books serve as powerful calls to action, urging for greater transparency in pricing and quality metrics. Makary has been a vocal proponent of public reporting of physician-endorsed quality measures, believing that patients deserve accessible information to make informed healthcare decisions. His work often delves into controversial yet crucial topics, including a widely cited paper that posited medical error as the third leading cause of death in the United States.

This research, while debated, has spurred important conversations about patient safety and accountability within the medical community. His advocacy also extends to drug pricing reform, aiming to make essential medications more affordable and accessible.

In a significant transition, Dr. Makary was appointed and confirmed as the 27th Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2025. This role places him at the helm of a critical federal agency responsible for safeguarding public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, and the nation's food supply.

As Commissioner, Makary has prioritized modernizing the FDA's regulatory processes, a complex undertaking in an era of rapid scientific advancement. He has championed the integration of artificial intelligence, launching AI-assisted review tools to streamline the evaluation of new medical products. Furthermore, his approach includes incorporating anecdotal evidence into food safety decisions, recognizing the value of real-world observations alongside traditional scientific data.

His tenure reflects a commitment to adapting regulatory frameworks to meet contemporary challenges while upholding the agency's core mission.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Makary's public commentary and policy stances reflected a nuanced approach to public health challenges. He was an early supporter of universal masking and vaccination for adults, recognizing their importance in mitigating the spread of the virus.

However, he also expressed reservations about broad vaccine mandates, certain restrictive school and university policies, and the necessity of boosters for younger populations. This position highlights a recurring theme in his work: the tension between collective public health goals and individual liberties or concerns. His perspective often emphasizes the need for evidence-based decision-making, careful consideration of unintended consequences, and a balanced approach that respects diverse viewpoints.

This thoughtful engagement with complex, often polarizing issues has solidified his reputation as a significant voice in contemporary health policy debates.