President-elect Donald Trump has made significant health nominations, including Dr. Marty Makary for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), former Rep. Dave Weldon for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as the next U.S. Surgeon General.

Makary, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, has been vocal about the need for reform in the U.S. health system, which he describes as 'broken,' and has criticized the FDA's recent drug approvals, particularly for Alzheimer's and ALS treatments.

He advocates for a reversal of the FDA's expedited drug approval process, arguing that recent approvals were based on incomplete data and have been influenced by industry lobbying.

If confirmed, Makary will report to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick for the Department of Health and Human Services, who is known for his anti-vaccine stance but shares some skepticism about the pharmaceutical industry.

The FDA, which oversees the safety and effectiveness of drugs, vaccines, and medical devices, plays a crucial role in U.S. consumer spending, accounting for about 20% of it, or approximately $2.6 trillion annually.

Under Makary's leadership, the FDA may shift towards stricter drug approval processes, potentially reversing the trend of expedited approvals that have been criticized for lacking thorough scrutiny.

Trump has expressed confidence that Makary will restore scientific standards at the FDA and streamline processes to improve access to medical treatments.

The Surgeon General, a position now nominated for Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, serves as a medical advisor to the public and has the authority to issue health advisories that can significantly influence government and public responses to health crises.

Weldon, who has a history of involvement in health policy issues, particularly vaccine safety, will lead the CDC, which is responsible for public health recommendations and emergency responses.

In addition to his reform agenda, Makary opposes the trend of remote work within the FDA, advocating for a more hands-on approach to monitoring vaccine-related adverse events.

All nominees for these positions, including Makary, Weldon, and Nesheiwat, require Senate confirmation to take office.

Makary has also been critical of the opioid epidemic, advocating for greater scrutiny of drug safety and effectiveness, and has raised concerns about the influence of pharmaceutical companies on healthcare.