It is a testament to the FDA's capabilities that the lengthy delay in naming the successor to Jane Henney as commissioner of Food and Drugs, apparently, has not affected its operations. The agency has operated under an acting commissioner previously for as long as 12 months, and it is increasingly apparent that an acting commissioner will continue in the position for the foreseeable future.
Food and drug circles are rife with rumors about potential commissioner candidates. Of the names that have surfaced, however, no name has produced the reaction that HHS Secretary Thompson should strive for: “an inspired choice.” To the contrary, the most common reaction to the names that have leaked or been leaked (sometimes by the candidates themselves) is “Who? What? Are you kidding?” Just recently, the trade press reported, apparently with some justification, that Thompson was thinking of naming a lawyer to the position. No inspired choice there.