Dr. Robert M. Califf, commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, will visit Cornell University next week to discuss how research, policy, and regulation can address critical health challenges in New York and across the U.S. The visit includes a public event, “A Fireside Chat with Robert M. Califf,” on October 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Memorial Room of Willard Straight Hall in Ithaca. The event is free and open to the public.
Califf will be joined by Cornell leaders, including Krystyn J. Van Vliet, vice president for research and innovation, as well as deans from various colleges. Together, they will explore ongoing health issues, with a particular focus on rural health disparities and the connections between human health, animal health, and the environment—an interdisciplinary approach known as One Health. Topics like sustainable food production and antimicrobial resistance will also be discussed.
“Our goal is to engage faculty, students, health care leaders, and community members in upstate New York in this discussion with FDA leadership about the challenges we face and the opportunities for universities and hospitals to contribute to improved health outcomes,” said Van Vliet.
The event is part of a broader two-day visit by Califf to Cornell’s Ithaca and Weill Cornell Medicine campuses on October 15-16. He will be joined by FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones and Chief Veterinary Officer Tristan Colonius, who will also participate in meetings with university, hospital, and government leaders, as well as faculty and student researchers.
In addition to the Ithaca event, Califf will participate in a public discussion moderated by Dr. Robert A. Harrington, dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, on October 15 in New York City.
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