What to know about Dr. Heidi Overton, Trump's pick to lead the FDA

President Trump recently selected Dr. Heidi Overton, one of his White House health policy aides, to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Overton has been a staunch supporter of the president's health agenda, including efforts to alter the childhood vaccine schedule and separate the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine into individual shots – moves that have faced strong criticism from medical experts. She has also pushed for stricter regulations on the abortion drug mifepristone.

With the FDA currently grappling with significant challenges, such as confronting controversial vaccine policy and addressing food safety concerns, Overton's nomination holds considerable importance. Overton, a medical doctor double board-certified in public health and preventive medicine, has an advanced degree from Johns Hopkins University in clinical investigations. Notably, she has held a top policy position within the Trump administration and was a fellow at the White House during the president's first term.

Overton's departure from the scientific consensus on vaccine policy, particularly her advocacy for a streamlined and spaced-out childhood vaccine schedule, has garnered attention. Her views on this matter are expected to be crucial in the confirmation process, as she will be tasked with navigating the FDA's future direction in the face of recent leadership changes, such as those led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services.