Michelle Tarver Is Officially the New Leader at FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health

Michelle Tarver, MD, PhD, has officially been tapped as the new director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), according to multiple news reports. The news was first reported by Stat.

Tarver has served as acting director of the CDRH since July, when Jeff Shuren announced he was stepping down after 28 years with FDA, the past 15 years of which have been spent at the helm of CDRH.

In an email to CDRH staff, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf praised Tarver for exemplifying an “extraordinary blend” of expertise and dedication to public health.

Prior to serving as acting director, Tarver was the deputy director for transformation at CDRH. The news of her official appointment as head of devices was welcomed by the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC), a public-private partnership created to advance medical device regulatory science.

According to the MDIC, Tarver has a long history of contributing to patient-centric initiatives convened by the consortium, including programs focused on health equity and incorporating quality across the total product lifecycle.

“Our dedicated stakeholders are pleased that her appointment signals continued opportunities to foster deeper collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem, including agency partners, to advance our collective mission,” the MDIC said in a statement.

Related:Shuren Leaves FDA’s CDRH After 15-year Tenure

Board-certified in ophthalmology with a doctorate in epidemiology, Tarver is a seasoned leader at CDRH, having focused her career on advancements that support better outcomes for all patients.

“Dr. Tarver has worked with MDIC for many years, and I could not be more pleased with this well-deserved appointment,” said Andrew C. Fish, president and CEO of MDIC. “Dr. Tarver is a visionary leader who believes in the power of collaboration to improve patient care. Her support for incorporating patient needs and perspectives, improving quality manufacturing, and advancing regulatory evidence development will be foundational to our continued work with Dr. Tarver in her new role as CDRH director.”