Challenging & Confidential
Most agree the job of a physician at the FDA is extremely interesting, highly intellectually challenging, rewarding and impactful. “We take pride in our work, which is very interactive, collaborative and professional,” says Dr. Nikolov. “We are all driven by the FDA mission of protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics and products that emit radiation.”
And just like in clinical practice and other industries, Drs. Glaser and Nikolov agree that confidentiality is critical when it comes to working with the FDA, and that the department’s position is one of public trust that must be protected.
“I think people are generally very respectful and do not ask many questions about confidential information,” Dr. Glaser says. When asked about the most interesting thing she has learned doing this work, she adds, “It’s probably confidential.”
Renée Bacher is a frequent contributor to ENT Today and the AARP Bulletin. Her article about heart disease in women, “This Story Could Save Your Life,” won a National Health Information Award for Family Circle magazine.
