Topic: Richard Besser

Former acting CDC director Dr. Richard Besser expressed fear regarding the loss of leadership at the agency during public health emergencies. Besser, now CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, cited 200 annual pediatric COVID deaths as a reason to maintain broad vaccination efforts. The hosts criticize the foundation's focus on "health equity" and question the validity of Besser's statistics.

Dr. Richard Besser, CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, appeared on PBS to defend COVID-19 vaccinations despite the foundation being a major funder of the network. Financial disclosures reveal the foundation holds over $13 billion in assets, including significant investments in the stock market and private equity. Besser’s annual salary exceeds $1 million, leading to questions regarding the independence of public health experts funded by pharmaceutical-linked endowments.

Dr. Richard Besser argued on PBS that removing COVID-19 vaccines from the recommended schedule denies access to low-income families. He emphasized that maternal vaccination provides antibodies to infants who are too young for their own shots. Besser expressed concern that the lack of a federal recommendation would end the "Vaccines for Children" program's requirement to provide the shots for free.

FactCheck.org, a prominent social media fact-checking partner, faces scrutiny for its funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The foundation holds over $1.8 billion in Johnson & Johnson stock and is led by Richard Besser, a former acting director of the CDC. Critics argue this creates a significant conflict of interest regarding the evaluation of vaccine-related information.

The FDA has approved Zohydro, a potent new painkiller that experts warn could be lethal in small doses. Adam Curry presents a theory of "reverse native advertising," suggesting that pharmaceutical companies might pay for news coverage highlighting a drug's danger to ensure it remains a controlled, high-value product on the market.

The hosts discuss the hiring of former acting CDC Director Dr. Richard Besser as the senior medical reporter for ABC News. They suggest that Besser, who led the government's H1N1 communication efforts, is more effective at delivering the "mission" when perceived as an independent journalist rather than a government official.