Liberty University graduate students attend hearing for FDA commissioner nominee

Three Liberty University Master of Public Health (MPH) students who are part of a research training program in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine attended the confirmation hearing on March 6 in Washington, D.C., for Dr. Marty Makary, President Donald Trump’s nominee for commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The opportunity gave the students a firsthand look at the legislative process and the complexities involved in shaping national health policies.

The fellowship, which began in 2023, is a partnership between the Liberty University School of Health Sciences and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, allowing specially selected Liberty MPH students to spend a year joining Makary — a renowned surgeon and professor — and his team as they engage in high-impact research on healthcare policy. The partnership was designed to show the commitment of both institutions to providing exceptional educational and research opportunities to their students.

Makary has visited Liberty multiple times in recent years to deliver Grand Rounds lectures at the School of Health Sciences. His talks have focused on prevalent issues in the healthcare field, such as the extreme costs of health care and insurance and the importance of challenging current scientific misconceptions and medical dogma.

During last week’s hearing, senators pressed Makary on issues such as vaccine policies, medication abortion, and the FDA’s role in addressing public health. School of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Heidi DiFrancesca, who spearheaded the partnership, said Makary’s responses “highlighted his commitment to scientific integrity and transparency.”

The three trainees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to work under Makary and attend the hearing as a part of their training experience.

“Attending the confirmation hearing was an enlightening and thought-provoking experience,” Sydney Webb said. “It provided me with a deeper understanding of the critical decisions and processes that shape our governance. Witnessing the deliberations and the exchange of ideas reinforced the importance of thoughtful, informed leadership and the profound impact these decisions have on the future of our country. It has instilled in me a renewed sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to staying informed and engaged in the political process.”

“It was a profound experience that deepened my appreciation for visionary leadership in public health,” Ginika Rosemary Muomah added. “I was particularly inspired by how he openly acknowledged God in his opening statement, grounding his ambition in faith and purpose. From all that was discussed, I believe his vision and mission will drive meaningful change, improving the health and well-being of communities across the nation. His commitment [if confirmed] to addressing the [toxins in the] food in America [is] an issue closely tied to my own research [in the fellowship program in collaboration with he and Christi Walsh] on negative health outcomes, resonated deeply with me. I am especially grateful for the School of Health and Dean DiFrancesca for the opportunity [to participate in the fellowship program] and the… mentorship of Dr. Attin (chair of Public Health) and Drs. Makary and Walsh (research director).”

For Miebaka Roberts, the experience even inspired a potential future career goal.

“As an MPH student, attending the FDA confirmation hearing was one of the most incredible experiences of my academic and professional journey,” he said. “I’m so grateful to have been part of the fellowship that made this possible. Witnessing such an important moment in public health leadership was beyond inspiring, and I couldn’t help but imagine myself in that very seat one day, answering questions from senators and being confirmed as the FDA commissioner, ready to shape public health policy.”

“Dr. Makary’s nomination to lead the FDA marks a pivotal moment, promising a renewed focus on chronic disease management and public health policies,” DiFrancesca said. The students’ attendance at his confirmation hearing underscores the significance of academic collaborations in shaping the future of public health. As Dr. Makary’s nomination progresses and the research collaboration continues with the world-class research team he assembled, the insights gained by these students will undoubtedly influence their future careers and the broader field of public health”.

The partnership between Liberty University and Johns Hopkins will continue to help pave the way for innovative research and impactful contributions to healthcare reform.