HHS hired researcher without medical license under RFK Jr., but role in autism study unclear

HHS hired researcher without medical license under RFK Jr., but role in autism study unclear

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' directory website states that David Geier is currently employed by the department as a "senior data analyst." However, it has come to light that Geier has never held a medical license and was previously found guilty of practicing medicine without one.

In 2014, Geier was fined $10,000 for violating Maryland state law after he was caught treating patients with Lupron, a medication not approved by the FDA for use on children in the absence of precocious puberty. The board also found that Geier did not perform an adequate examination to determine if the patients had precocious puberty.

Geier's background in medicine is limited to his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, and he has no medical training or licensure. Despite this, he was hired by HHS as a senior data analyst, a role that involves analyzing complex data sets and making informed decisions about public health policies.

Geier's hiring by HHS has raised questions about the qualifications of individuals in key roles within the agency. It is not clear how or why Geier was chosen for this position, given his lack of medical training and licensure.

The Controversy Surrounding Autism Research

Geier's hiring by HHS comes on the heels of a major announcement by Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar that the department will launch a massive testing and research effort to investigate the causes of the autism epidemic. The effort, which is expected to involve hundreds of scientists from around the world, aims to identify the exposures that may be contributing to the rising incidence of autism.

Geier's role in this effort has not been officially confirmed by HHS or Secretary Azar, and it is unclear whether he will be directly involved in the research. However, several news outlets have reported that Geier will "lead" or "oversee" a study on the causes of autism, which raises concerns about his qualifications for this role.

Concerns About Geier's Views on Vaccines and Autism

Geier has previously published research suggesting that lower levels of testosterone may improve autism symptoms. His previous work has been widely criticized as discredited and based on flawed science. However, some have raised concerns that Geier's views on vaccines and autism may influence his work on the HHS study.

What is Known About Geier's Role at HHS

  • The HHS hired Geier as a senior data analyst in the Office of Secretary for the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources.
  • Geier has never held a medical license and was previously found guilty of practicing medicine without one.
  • It is unclear how or why Geier was chosen for this position, given his lack of medical training and licensure.
  • Several news outlets have reported that Geier will "lead" or "oversee" a study on the causes of autism.

The lack of clarity surrounding Geier's role at HHS has raised concerns about the qualifications and expertise of individuals in key roles within the agency. As the investigation into the causes of autism continues, it is essential that those involved are qualified to make informed decisions about public health policies.

Conclusion

The hiring of David Geier by HHS as a senior data analyst has raised significant concerns about his qualifications and expertise for this role. Despite his lack of medical training and licensure, Geier was hired by the agency with no clear explanation how or why he was chosen. The controversy surrounding his views on vaccines and autism only adds to the concerns about his suitability for this position.

The investigation into the causes of autism is crucial to informing public health policies that may impact millions of Americans. It is essential that those involved in this effort are qualified to make informed decisions about the research and policy initiatives being developed.