The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed Dr. George Tidmarsh as the new director of its Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), the division responsible for reviewing new medications. While Tidmarsh hasn’t worked in government before, his background as a doctor, academic, and biotech executive—along with his connections to current FDA leadership—helped secure the role. The job is complex, requiring him to balance drug approvals, set policies, and collaborate internationally. ‘The role is part scientist, part CEO, part diplomat,’ says Aman Khera, president of a regulatory affairs group. Tidmarsh takes over as the FDA faces budget cuts and pushes to modernize drug reviews using AI and other new methods. While some worry about his ties to the pharmaceutical industry, his experience in drug development could help him lead the agency effectively. Tidmarsh has worked on seven approved drugs and founded several biotech companies. However, his past comments on COVID-19 policies and his involvement in a controversial medical journal have raised questions. He has criticized the government’s pandemic response and suggested the virus may have originated from a lab in Wuhan. Despite this, Tidmarsh says he wants to improve the FDA’s efficiency and communication with drug companies. He also believes the agency should remain neutral and free from political influence. As he steps into this high-pressure role, Tidmarsh will need to balance speed, safety, and public trust in the FDA’s decisions.