The FDA appointed Michelle Tarver, MD, PhD, as the permanent director of its Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), marking a significant leadership move in the agency. The CDRH is responsible for overseeing the safety, effectiveness, and quality of medical devices and radiation-emitting products in the United States.

Dr. Tarver, an ophthalmologist and epidemiologist, has served the FDA for over 15 years, contributing to patient-centered initiatives and regulatory strategy. As a medical device regulator, Dr. Tarver has overseen projects designed to engage patients and streamline collaboration within the health-care ecosystem.

She has held various senior roles within the FDA, including Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships and Technology Innovation, where she worked on policy, guidance, and both premarket and postmarket regulatory reviews.