New Leaders at the FDA

May 15, 2026, 22:47
USPolitics

Introduction

Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg is no longer the acting director of the FDA's drug center.

Main Body

Dr. Høeg left her job. Before this, Commissioner Marty Makary also left. Now, Michael Davis is the acting director. Kyle Diamantas is the acting commissioner. Dr. Høeg changed some rules. She asked if some baby medicines were safe. She also wanted to change how the FDA checks new drugs. Dr. Høeg wanted fewer vaccines for children. She wanted 11 vaccines instead of 18. She thought this was safer. But a court stopped this plan in March.

Conclusion

The FDA is looking for new permanent leaders now.

Learning

The 'Past Story' Pattern

Look at how the text talks about things that already happened. To reach A2, you need to spot the difference between Now and Before.

1. The 'Finished' Action Most words in this story have an -ed ending. This tells us the action is over.

  • changed
  • asked
  • wanted
  • stopped

2. The 'Irregular' Jump Some words don't follow the -ed rule. They change their whole shape:

  • Leave → Left

3. The Time Map Notice these words. They are like signs that tell you when to change the verb:

  • Now → Use present (is/are)
  • Before this / In March → Use past (left/stopped)

Quick Logic: Now →\rightarrow is Before →\rightarrow left

Vocabulary Learning

new
not old, recently made or started
Example:I bought a new car.
leaders
people who guide or command
Example:The leaders met to discuss the plan.
FDA
U.S. agency that regulates food and drugs
Example:The FDA approved the vaccine.
director
person in charge of an organization
Example:The director gave a speech.
drug
medicine used to treat illness
Example:He took a drug for his headache.
center
a place where activities happen
Example:The drug center is in the city.
left
went away from a place
Example:She left the office at 5.
job
work that someone does
Example:He has a new job.
commissioner
official who leads a department
Example:The commissioner announced a new rule.
rules
instructions that people must follow
Example:The rules are clear.
baby
a very young child
Example:The baby smiled.
medicines
drugs that help people feel better
Example:The medicines were given to patients.
safe
not dangerous
Example:The playground is safe.
change
to make different
Example:She wants to change the schedule.
vaccines
substances that protect against disease
Example:Vaccines help keep us healthy.
children
young people who are not adults
Example:Children play in the park.
safer
more safe
Example:The new route is safer.
court
place where legal cases are heard
Example:The court decided the case.
stopped
ended
Example:The train stopped at the station.
permanent
lasting for a long time
Example:She has a permanent position.
now
at this time
Example:We will start now.
acting
temporary in a role
Example:The acting director will serve for a year.
wanted
desired
Example:He wanted a new phone.
fewer
less in number
Example:We need fewer cars.
plan
a proposal for doing something
Example:The plan was approved.
March
month of the year
Example:We met in March.