Marty Makary

Dr. Marty Makary is a distinguished surgeon, professor, and author known for his impactful contributions to healthcare reform, surgical safety, and public health policy. After pioneering advanced laparoscopic procedures at Johns Hopkins, including the institution’s first laparoscopic Whipple and Frey’s procedures, Dr. Marty Makary went on to co-develop ‘The Surgery Checklist’ with the World Health Organization, a significant contribution to global surgical safety.

Dr. Makary earned his B.A. from Bucknell University in 1993, an M.P.H. from Harvard University in 1998, and an M.D.

He served as the Editor of the comprehensive surgery textbook ‘General Surgery Review’ and was recognized with the Nobility in Science Award by the National Pancreas Foundation. In 2018, Dr. Makary was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine, acknowledging his profound impact on medical science and public health. Further broadening his influence in medical communications, Dr.

Makary was named Editor-in-Chief of MedPage Today in 2020. His career then progressed to significant national influence when he was nominated by President-Elect Donald Trump in November 2024 to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as its commissioner. He was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate in March 2025, officially becoming the 27th Commissioner of Food and Drugs. In his role as Commissioner, Dr.

Makary has prioritized modernizing regulatory processes for the FDA. In July 2025, he notably launched AI-assisted review tools, a key initiative aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. He is also spearheading efforts to integrate anecdotal evidence into food safety decisions, working to re-evaluate and refine existing medical practices and policies to better serve public health.