Trouble at the Top: FDA's Drug Chief Faces Uncertain Future

Dr. George Tidmarsh, the head of the FDA's drug evaluation center, is currently on leave and might quit. Why? He says the workplace is "toxic" and unfair. The FDA says they put him on leave because of concerns about his behavior. Some reports say Tidmarsh used his power to hurt a business partner. He denies this. Instead, he thinks this is payback for speaking up against Vinay Prasad, the FDA's top medical officer. Tidmarsh doesn't like a new fast-track drug approval process led by Prasad. He thinks it's not scientific enough and could be illegal. The FDA says they expect high standards from their employees. But Tidmarsh says the environment is bad for everyone, including the American people. He's still deciding whether to resign. It's a messy situation that raises questions about leadership and fairness at the FDA.