Trump Nominates Former HHS Deputy Secretary Azar to Be Next Secretary

On Monday, November 13, President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Alex Azar to his cabinet to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Alex Azar has served in various health policy capacities, both public and private, for decades. After working in the Department since 2001, he served as President Bush’s Deputy Secretary of HHS from 2005 to 2007, after unanimous approval from the United States Senate.

Later, Mr. Azar worked in the pharmaceutical industry, serving in various roles with Eli Lilly starting in 2007.

Among many other achievements, he is the recipient of the Surgeon General’s Medallion, the highest civilian medal awarded by the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Mr. Azar would replace Former-Secretary Tom Price, M.D., who resigned in September.

ASA looks forward to working with Mr. Azar, should he be confirmed by the Senate to serve as the next Secretary, on many issues including patient safety and Medicare physician payments.

ASA physician leaders and staff will provide updates regarding this process.