FNIH Salutes the Career and Accomplishments of Dr. Janet Woodcock

As Women’s History Month gets underway, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) celebrates the career and accomplishments of Janet Woodcock, M.D. A longstanding key partner in our mission, Dr. Woodcock retired in January after nearly four decades in leadership positions at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dr. Woodcock, who most recently served as the agency’s principal deputy commissioner and – before that – acting commissioner, was a tireless champion of modernizing the FDA’s drug review process and improving the quality, effectiveness, and safety of drugs. She was director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research for more than half of her FDA tenure

“Dr. Woodcock’s focus on improving clinical research and healthcare for everyone extended to her championing the FNIH and the many public-private partnerships it facilitates,” said Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH, President and CEO of the FNIH. “She remains a role model for many of us and a constant source of inspiration.”

Dr. Woodcock played a crucial role in the creation and conduct of FNIH-managed programs, including the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) and the Biomarkers Consortium.

This month, as we recognize the specific achievements and contributions women have made over the course of American history, we celebrate Dr. Woodcock’s unflagging leadership in reimagining and reinvigorating FDA policies and procedures, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ lives. We congratulate Dr. Woodcock on her accomplishments, thank her for her many contributions to the FNIH, and wish her well on her new adventures.