The appointment of RFK Jr. to lead health goes against the fundamental principles of medicine

The fundamental principle of medicine is: First, do no harm.

It appears that appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead Health and Human Services violates this principle.

Perhaps he has pledged to focus strictly on areas where he can clearly make a positive impact—encouraging Americans to adopt healthier lifestyles, improve their diets, and exercise more.

But . . .

We interviewed RFK Jr. back in May 2023, when he was still challenging President Biden for the Democratic nomination.

As we pointed out at the time, he is an independent thinker who sees through many falsehoods and is a sharp critic of some of Biden’s policies, particularly noting how the Democratic Party lost direction in response to Donald Trump’s initial election.

However, the qualities that impressed us were not related to health issues.

When discussing health topics, his views were a confusing mix of what can only be described as distorted conspiracy theories, extending beyond just vaccines.

He suggested that “Neocons” are responsible for America’s policy problems and that “Pesticides, cellphones, ultrasound” may be contributing to the increase in Tourette syndrome and peanut allergies.

He adamantly claimed that all of America’s long-term health issues originated in a single year in the 1980s when multiple negative events occurred. 

While his beliefs may be convincing to conspiracy enthusiasts on Twitter, they are less so to the general public. 

In fact, we concluded that he holds unconventional views on many topics. 

Even in cases where he raises valid criticisms, it is challenging to see him as the best candidate to lead HHS and its large staff of 83,000 towards practical solutions.

While the relationship between Big Pharma and the government is problematic, pharmaceutical companies provide valuable services and employment opportunities. Disrupting the industry, or its stock prices, would be detrimental. 

His viewpoints also clash with Trump’s agenda of supporting energy and agriculture, as RFK Jr. advocates for banning fracking, as well as many pesticides and fertilizers. 

Consider this: The HHS chief oversees more than 100 programs across 11 divisions; managing these operations is a significant responsibility in itself. 

An abrupt, radical, and confusing transition led by someone like RFK Jr., who may use his position to promote controversial beliefs, poses risks of negative outcomes and potential harm to individuals. 

These concerns persist if the Senate confirms RFK Jr., which will be a difficult task as Republicans only have a slim margin. 

Donald Trump was elected on pledges to address economic issues, border security, and global instability; his administration must focus on delivering change in those areas—rather than defending questionable theories or controlling RFK Jr.’s statements. 

We are apprehensive that the “brain-eating worm” he claims affected him a while back may be spreading, with indications of an outbreak at Mar-a-Lago.