The American Medical Association Friday named as its new CEO Dr. John J. Whyte a former chief … More
The American Medical Association named as its new CEO Dr. John J. Whyte, the chief medical officer at health information company WebMD who also worked at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In hiring Whyte to succeed longtime AMA chief executive Dr. James Madara, the nation’s largest doctor group is bringing on board a physician with a deep science and health policy background at a time established government health institutions have been the target for federal spending cuts by the Donald Trump White House. Such cuts have included massive layoffs of scientists, physicians and health policy researchers ordered up by Elon Musk, the biggest donor to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a vaccine skeptic who Trump named to lead HHS.
“He is uniquely positioned to lead the AMA at this pivotal time and offers a deep and nuanced understanding of the AMA’s mission, governance, and evolving role—ensuring both continuity and meaningful progress toward the association’s goals,” said AMA Board Chair Dr. Michael Suk. “Dr. Whyte is an exceptionally qualified leader who has distinguished himself across many fronts.”
American Medical Association chief executive officer Dr. John J. Whyte
To be sure, the AMA said Dr. Whyte has a background in clinical medicine, government, and the private sector. “A practicing physician for 27 years, he has deep experience in federal, state and local health policy paired with a proven record of strategic management and innovation in the private sector,” the AMA said in a statement.
The AMA said Whyte has “written extensively for both professional and consumer audiences, including five best-selling books,” calling him a “recognized leader” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whyte, who most recently has been chief medical officer at the health news and information company WebMD, has served in leadership positions at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“I have tremendous respect and admiration for this venerable, science-based organization and its important work that improves the lives of millions of people,” Whyte, who is a board certified internist, said of the AMA. “I see significant opportunities for a strong and vibrant AMA to fulfill its core mission to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.”
