The role of the Food and Drug Administration is to carefully check evidence that ensures the drugs and medical devices we use are safe and effective. However, lately, there has been mounting criticism of the agency.

A growing number of people and institutions, including the Department of Defense, feel the FDA is slowing down innovation and approving questionable drugs.

Joining me to discuss what is happening at the agency and what could be done to address some of the problems is Dr. David Gortler, associate professor of pharmacology at Georgetown University.

Gortler is also a former medical officer at the FDA and served as an advisor on Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign last year.