Pfizer-Funded Pick to Lead National Institutes of Health Vows to Serve the Public

Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, 64, was nominated by President Joe Biden.

National Cancer Institute Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli (L), first lady Jill Biden (C), and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) at the University of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Comprehensive Care Center in San Francisco on Oct. 7, 2022. John G. Mabanglo/Getty Images

The doctor nominated to lead the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) vowed to lawmakers on Oct. 18 to serve the public, and not pharmaceutical companies, if she is confirmed to the post.

“I will act with the goal of the very best interest of the American people if confirmed for this job,” Dr. Monica Bertagnolli told senators during questioning on Capitol Hill in Washington.