Francis Collins, former NIH director on science and God

Last updated: September 19, 2024 3:51 pm

But if I had been outside of NIH, not in one of those big research places, I’m not sure that would have been the same story. We’ve got work to do to make sure that everybody in America has access to the very best care for their particular circumstance. That’s not easy to do in a complicated health care system that’s got all kinds of incentives that are not always aligned with the best outcome for the patient.

On the idea that the NIH could weather another Trump administration:

I think if the past is prologue, yes. NIH has been able to do its job through all kinds of political changes. I was there for 12 years, and I was appointed by George W. Bush. I was reappointed by Barack Obama. I was then reappointed by Donald Trump. It’s about the science. It’s about the mission. It’s about the commitment to trying to make a difference in health. And I think that will continue. It’s not easy when you have sometimes political winds that are blowing in your face, but the engine is pretty strong.

NIH has a lot of support on the Hill, by the way. Republicans and Democrats alike — when it comes to the mission of medical research and trying to improve the health of Americans, the support is very strong. So, I think NIH will be fine whatever comes along in terms of political changes.

On what he hopes to achieve with his new book:

I’m hoping that people who have not thought about this intersection of faith and science might be provoked by this to do so, or if they have, to dig deeper. This is not a simple book; it’s not a superficial book. It’s got a lot of depth to it. I hope people will read it and say, “You know, I hadn’t thought about that before. Maybe I should.” And maybe they’ll have some conversations with other people that might be interesting.

I hope that’s going to be the outcome. It’s not a book that’s going to be on the bestseller list. It’s a book that’s going to be in the hands of a bunch of people who are really interested in this particular intersection and want to go a little deeper.

Collins’ new book, “The Road to Wisdom,” is available now in bookstores and online. It offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and science, drawing on Collins’ experiences as a scientist, doctor, and devout Christian. Whether you agree with his views or not, one thing is for sure: Francis Collins is a fascinating figure whose insights are worth exploring.

With the advancements in imaging capabilities over the past decade, the ability to diagnose and intervene in medical conditions has become more precise. This technology allows healthcare professionals to determine whether a patient requires intervention or not with greater accuracy. However, despite these advancements, there are still challenges within the healthcare system in fully utilizing these sophisticated tools.

Looking ahead to a potential new Trump administration, there are concerns about the future of funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The stable and predictable trajectory of NIH funding in recent years has allowed for important research and innovation to take place. The decisions made by Congress, rather than the administration, will ultimately determine the NIH’s budget and the future of medical research funding.

It is vital that the leadership in the House and Senate prioritize funding for NIH, regardless of political affiliation. While there have been recent attacks on the NIH and prominent figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, it is essential to recognize the nonpartisan nature of medical research and the importance of government investment in this field.

One ongoing challenge in medical research is determining how to balance government investments in basic science with the private sector’s role in drug development. The issue of expensive drugs, developed with NIH funding, raises questions about how to ensure affordable access for patients. While there have been attempts to regulate drug pricing through collaborations with the private sector, these efforts have often faced resistance and ultimately failed.

The Bayh-Dole Act, which governs intellectual property rights for federally funded research, presents legal constraints on efforts to regulate drug pricing post-development. Finding a solution to the affordability of medications developed with public funding remains a complex and ongoing challenge.

In conclusion, the future of medical research funding and drug development requires a collaborative effort between government agencies, the private sector, and regulatory bodies. It is crucial to prioritize scientific research as a nonpartisan endeavor and ensure that advancements in healthcare technology benefit all individuals.