We’re In The News

As a respected nonprofit health research center, our views are often quoted in the media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, and websites. We also write articles and blogs for a number of different and highly respected newspapers, magazines, and popular websites, and we are published in prestigious medical journals and health policy publications. We frequently express our policy views in letters to government officials and public comments to federal agencies and we sometimes release statements or press releases on newsworthy issues.

Please e-mail info@center4research.org or call 202-223-4000 with your inquiries. We can assist you with scheduling interviews with the NCHR President, Dr. Diana Zuckerman, and other experts on our staff.

Michelle Tarver faces challenges as new CDRH leader. But patient groups, industry are optimistic.

MedTech Dive, October 31, 2024: Article quotes industry officials and NCHR and other patient and consumer advocates about new CDRH director Michelle Tarver and hopes for greater respect for patients, consumers, and researchers during user fee negotiations and FDA decision-making regarding the safety and effectiveness standards for medical devices.

F.D.A. names a new chief of medical devices

New York Times, Oct 22, 2024: Michelle Tarver is the new director of CDRH, FDA medical device center, promoted from within the agency. We are hopeful that she will move CDRH to focus more on ensuring safe and effective medical devices, reversing the bias of former director Jeff Shuren. But given her expertise, why has the agency failed to warn Lasik patients as promised?

High Levels of Toxic Flame Retardants Found in Toys, Kitchen Utensils Made From Black Plastic

The Defender, October 2, 2024: Researchers found toxic flame retardants in everyday items made from contaminated recycled black plastic food containers, kitchen utensils, and toys. These toxins are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and reproductive harm. Plastic recycling is to blame. It is time to come to terms with the misinformation about plastic recycling and demand that FDA and EPA ban unsafe recycled plastic products.

FDA to launch ‘active’ monitoring system to improve medical device safety

Association of Health Care Journalists, September 18, 2024: AHCJ questions the usefulness of FDA’s new active monitoring system to improve medical device safety and NCHR and other experts do too. The FDA plans to start by monitoring two types of devices in the first year but there are thousands of devices that were never studied for safety or effectiveness so that is not going to keep patients safe anytime soon.

The untold trauma of thousands of women suffering from ‘Breast Implant Illness’, leaving them in agony for years… yet some doctors refuse to accept it is real

The Daily Mail, September 9, 2024: After making the decision to decrease her cancer risk by removing her breasts and getting implants, one woman discovered a community of women suffering from breast implant illness. Celebrities describe similar health problems from implants and recovery after implants are removed. Despite popularity of explant surgery and mounting evidence of BII, many doctors continue to dismiss breast implant illness, leaving women dependent on online support groups for information. FDA has not ensured accurate information for patients.