AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, issued the following statement on the commencement of layoffs and reorganization at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
“The work that the Department of Health and Human Services carries out each day touches the lives of every American. As part of the HHS reorganization, critical leaders were laid off, reassigned, or placed on administrative leave. These actions are likely to slow scientific advancement and negatively impact the health and well-being of the American people.
These are sweeping changes to the federal health infrastructure, and we wish to work with the administration to understand how the health of Americans will be impacted. As the nation faces critical health challenges – and the potential for life-saving medical advancements is based on federally supported research – the AAMC remains committed to and ready to work with the leadership of HHS in our mission to improve the health of all patients, families, and communities. We continue to be steadfast in our commitment to advancing medical research that leads to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cures for patients and communities; ensuring access to high-quality care; and building and strengthening a physician and biomedical research workforce that reflects the needs of all Americans.”