Reforming Preventive Medicine: A Necessary Shift in American Healthcare

Introducing a New Era of Preventive Care

When I took office as Secretary of Health and Human Services, I made it clear that we must not only treat disease but also prevent it. This is not just an idealistic vision—it's a necessary evolution in American medicine. Today, I am announcing eight new members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (PSTF), a move that reflects our deep commitment to scientific excellence and clinical insight.

The current health crisis facing America—chronic disease, rising death rates among younger adults, and the growing burden of preventable conditions—is undeniable. Treatment alone cannot address this challenge. We need a paradigm shift that puts prevention at the center of everything we do in healthcare.

"Science advances when qualified experts challenge assumptions, interrogate evidence, identify gaps, and test whether conclusions withstand scrutiny."

Strengthening Expertise Across Disciplines

The eight new members bring a wealth of clinical experience across multiple fields: pediatrics, oncology, cardiology, radiology, gastroenterology, family medicine, health economics, and clinical research. Their collective knowledge spans decades of patient care and rigorous scientific evaluation.

Dr. Seth Corey, who will chair the Task Force, brings 41 years of experience treating children and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. His leadership ensures that pediatric perspectives are front and center in preventive decisions. Dr. Patrick Hunter, a dedicated pediatrician with 34 years of practice, offers insights into implementing clinical guidelines in rural communities—an area often underserved by current policy.

Dr. Ronald Karlsberg, whose 48-year career has been devoted to cardiovascular care, provides crucial expertise on heart disease prevention, one of the leading causes of death in America. Dr. Venkatesh Murthy contributes his knowledge in preventive cardiology, medical imaging, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence—areas that are transforming how we detect and prevent disease.

Dr. Goldie Stands-Over-Bull brings a unique lens to family medicine through her work with Native American patients across the lifespan, ensuring culturally competent care remains part of our approach. Dr. Louis Wilson's nearly three decades in gastroenterology and clinical nutrition provide essential insight into early detection methods for colon cancer, especially among younger populations.

Dr. Dennis Wulfeck, with his 33 years in diagnostic radiology, adds specialized understanding to questions around medical imaging. And Dr. Stephen Parente brings over three decades of experience researching health policy and its impact on patient outcomes—critical to ensuring that preventive recommendations translate into real-world improvements.

A Balanced Approach: Preserving Knowledge While Embracing Change

This reorganization does not mean discarding what we have built. Eight members appointed under the Biden administration will continue their service, preserving institutional knowledge while integrating fresh perspectives. This strategy reflects a thoughtful balance between continuity and reform.

Our goal is not to dictate conclusions but to ensure that the scientific process behind the Task Force's recommendations is as robust as possible. By doing so, we aim to instill trust in the public and healthcare providers alike—a prerequisite for effective preventive medicine.

The Future of Public Health Is in Our Hands

What makes this reform so significant is its foundation on a fundamental truth: prevention works best when informed by diverse clinical expertise. It demands more than traditional primary care viewpoints—it calls for specialists who understand the nuances of their respective fields and can evaluate evidence within practical contexts.

We must resist the urge to simplify complex health issues or let politics cloud scientific judgment. Instead, we should embrace rigorous debate and challenge conventional wisdom when evidence points in another direction. The Task Force will remain independent and committed to following the science wherever it leads.

But independence without scrutiny is a hollow promise. We want experts who are willing to question, to ask hard questions, and to ensure that every recommendation meets the highest standards of integrity and clinical relevance.

As America grapples with an unprecedented health crisis, I believe we must raise the bar for preventive medicine—not just in theory, but in practice. The eight new members represent a powerful commitment to strengthening that bar. They are not merely appointees—they are stewards of our nation's future health.

In this moment, when trust in public institutions is fragile and misinformation abounds, we must show the country that science can be trusted. That means rigorous review, open debate, and clinical wisdom applied with precision. These new members are here to make sure America's preventive care is grounded in evidence, experience, and an unwavering dedication to patient outcomes.

Let us move forward together—not with fear or uncertainty, but with the confidence that comes from knowing we are building a better future for all Americans—one where prevention isn't just a buzzword, but a lived reality.