Medical Device Link.

Originally Published MDDI May 2004

NEWSTRENDS

FDA underwent another leadership shakeup when David W. Feigal Jr., MD, MPh, stepped down as director of CDRH, effective April 30, 2004.

Feigal, who had led the center since 1999, oversaw a major restructuring that included the implementation of user fees, more outreach to outside experts, and expanded educational programs for CDRH staff. His departure comes less than two months after Commissioner Mark B. McClellan, MD, PhD, left FDA to head CMS (Baltimore).

In a letter to FDA staff dated April 13, 2004, FDA acting commissioner Lester M. Crawford, DVM, PhD, praised Feigal for his “exemplary service” to FDA. “I know we will miss his many contributions to this agency and to the public health of Americans,” he said. 

Feigal’s tenure also drew praise from industry associations. “Dr. Feigal has been an outspoken advocate for the improvement of medical technology regulation,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president of AdvaMed (Washington, DC). “He has worked hard to prepare the center for the rapid pace of innovation.”

“He was someone that industry respected and worked well with. He understood the needs and issues of small companies,” said Mark Leahey, executive director of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (Washington, DC).

Feigal is moving to Phoenix, where he will resume his medical career. Daniel G. Schultz, MD, director of CDRH’s Office of Device Evaluation, will serve as acting CDRH director until a successor is named.

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