Ousting RFK Jr. Among the Priorities for This Doctor Running for Senate

Annie Andrews, MD, a pediatric hospitalist running for a U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina as a Democrat, expressed her concern over President Trump's executive order that separated the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine into three separate vaccines. She denounced this action as "deeply destructive," stating it injects "distrust and disinformation into the American public health infrastructure and our healthcare system."

Andrews witnessed a measles outbreak in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with nearly 1,000 documented cases, and has observed a gradual increase in vaccine refusal and hesitancy over her 20-year career.

Andrews believes that if vaccine refusal rates continue to rise, there would be a resurgence of various diseases, not just measles, but also flu, RSV, bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, and whooping cough. She emphasized the urgency of removing RFK Jr.'s current reign at HHS to prevent such outcomes.

As for her qualifications to address healthcare issues, Andrews noted that she is a doctor who has worked on the front lines of the healthcare system for 20 years. She mentioned her love for hospital-based pediatrics, her completion of pediatrics residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and her role as a pediatric hospitalist at the Medical University of South Carolina for over a decade.

Andrews also highlighted her research experience, board certification in pediatric and pediatric hospital medicine, and her dedication to fighting for accessible and affordable healthcare.

In terms of constituent concerns, Andrews mentioned high uninsured and underinsured rates in South Carolina, deep racial and rural health inequities, and the closure of rural health clinics. She also highlighted concerns about access to healthcare, rising premiums due to ACA tax subsidies expiring, increased prescription drug prices, and the challenges families face in choosing between prescription drugs, utility bills, and food.

Finally, Andrews shared her frustration with the increasing administrative burden faced by healthcare providers, which she believes hinders their ability to spend more time at the bedside of their patients.