AMA split on RFK Jr.

The American Medical Association is weighing whether to work with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or oppose policies that threaten public health, Politico reported Aug. 30. 

Since Mr. Kennedy was confirmed to lead HHS in February, he has fired and replaced all members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, which provides vaccine guidance to the CDC; canceled nearly $500 million worth of mRNA studies; fired hundreds of HHS employees; approved the removal of a preservative in flu vaccines; and stopped recommending the COVID-19 shot for healthy children and pregnant women. 

In June, members of the AMA urged its leaders to be more vocal in dissent, according to the report. 

The association has denounced some of Mr. Kennedy’s actions, including the abrupt removal of CDC Director Susan Monarez and the deletion of public health and infectious disease experts and physician groups — including the AMA — from ACIP’s working groups. 

Taking a more combative stance is risky for the AMA. Criticizing the federal government’s actions can endanger billions in Medicare reimbursements, healthcare workers’ votes in midterm elections and “physicians’ clout in Washington,” according to Politico. 

Bobby Mukkamala, MD, president of the AMA, said, “On Monday, we might have something to say, ‘We disagree. They shouldn’t be doing this,’ and on Tuesday, ‘We love this and congratulations,’” he told Politico. “That’s what I think the year is going to be like.”

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