Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed two vice chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), drawing sharp criticism from leading medical organizations. The firings have left the influential panel, which sets insurance coverage recommendations for preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies, with eight vacancies.
The USPSTF, typically comprised of 16 independent volunteer experts, now faces significant operational challenges. Kennedy had already hampered the task force by failing to replace members whose terms ended earlier this year. This inaction prevented the group from meeting and delayed the release of recommendations for cervical cancer screening.
Medical Groups Voice Alarm
Medical professionals fear the USPSTF could follow the path of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Critics suggest Kennedy might replace expert members with unqualified allies, potentially pushing through politicized recommendations. Such actions could jeopardize access to life-saving preventive services for millions of Americans, as the Affordable Care Act mandates coverage for services graded “A” or “B” by the USPSTF.
American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala stated his organization was “extremely concerned” by the firings. He urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to restore the USPSTF’s transparent process for selecting members and to resume regular task force meetings. Jan Carney, president of the American College of Physicians, echoed these concerns, calling the firings alarming. Carney criticized the lack of transparency surrounding Kennedy's review of task force members.
Terminations Prompt Questions
The two ousted USPSTF members, John Wong from Tufts University School of Medicine and Esa Davis from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, received termination letters dated May 11. The letters cited administrative reasons for the removals, stating they were unrelated to performance and aimed to “protect the Task Force and preserve confidence in the continuity and durability of its work.”
Kennedy has previously voiced disparagement for the USPSTF, labeling it “woke” and “lackadaisical and negligent for 20 years.” Former USPSTF chair Michael Silverstein urged action to protect the task force, telling The New York Times, “The administration came after children’s immunizations, and now it’s coming after our mammograms and our other cancer screenings, and the medical community cannot let this happen.”
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