“On behalf of patients from across the country, Patients Rising expresses our strong support for President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Dr. Marty Makary to be the next Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration,” said Terry Wilcox, Co-Founder & Chief Mission Officer. “At the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Marty Makary will be a most steadfast advocate and unwavering ally to patients.”
Patients Rising, which works to expand patient access to care and protect a patient’s right to know the true out-of-pocket cost of their healthcare, praised President Trump for his exceptional choice.
“We thank President Trump for this exceptional choice and look forward to collaborating with Dr. Makary to amplify patient voices,” Wilcox said.
Support for Patient Perspective at FDA
Dr. Marty Makary, President Trump’s Nominee for FDA Commissioner
In backing Dr. Makary’s nomination, Patients Rising highlighted his willingness to engage with patients on critical regulatory issues.
“What sets Dr. Makary apart from his peers is that he listens to and actively seeks out the patient’s perspective,” Wilcox said. “He has shown a commitment to understanding the patient’s perspective on critical regulatory issues and understands that the patient’s voice must remain at the center of every healthcare decision.”
On March 6, 2025, the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held its first hearing on Dr. Makary’s nomination. He shared his personal experience with his father’s battle with lymphoma.
“As a kid, I vividly remember being in a grocery store with my dad, when someone stopped to give him a hug after a long battle with lymphoma. It happened a few times, and each time it inspired me even more,” he said in his opening statement.
Dr. Marty Makary’s Distinguished Medical Career
A National Academy of Medicine member, Johns Hopkins surgeon, and author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Makary brings unmatched expertise to the FDA. Makary’s distinguished medical career includes work as a visiting professor at more than two dozen medical schools. He is the recipient of the Nobility in Science Award from the National Pancreas Foundation and has published hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific articles.
“In addition to using FDA approved devices and medications, my research has focused on patient safety, the Orphan Drug Act, how the FDA evaluates devices, opioids, and how health care has become too fragmented, too cold, and too corporate,” Makary said at the March 6th Senate hearing.
When confirmed by the United States Senate, Dr. Marty Makary will oversee the Food and Drug Administration. In addition to regulating medicines, the FDA is tasked with regulatory safety for the nation’s food, vaccines, medical devices, cosmetics, tobacco, and biologics.