Government
Former FDA chief under investigation
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 7, 2005
The Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is investigating the circumstances under which the former Food and Drug Administration commissioner left his job in September.
Lester Crawford, DVM, PhD, unexpectedly resigned as FDA chief less than three months after receiving Senate confirmation to the post. In a statement to agency staff, Dr. Crawford cited his age and his more than three year's tenure at FDA as reasons for leaving.
Several lawmakers requested the IG investigation after reports surfaced about potential financial improprieties on the part of the commissioner that may have prompted the resignation. An HHS spokesman declined to comment on the allegations, stating that the issue was an internal personnel matter.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/11/07/gvbf1107.htm.