RFK Jr. was sworn in last week. Here's what docs can expect

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the 26th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week, on February 13, 2025.^[] In this role, Kennedy will take charge of all HHS programs, operating divisions, and activities, overseeing a nearly $2 trillion budget.

What the experts are saying

Though applauded by the Trump administration, Kennedy has also been met with doubt and distrust from some in the medical community, many of whom have expressed concerns that he will not utilize science and research when making decisions that will impact nationwide health.

Andrew Pekosz, PhD, a professor and vice chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, says that Kennedy’s new power presents the medical community with a “big overriding fear”—the fear that “science and evidence are no longer the driving factors behind public health decisions.”

“[Kennedy] has a history of ignoring or not utilizing scientific evidence, and I fully expect that will continue despite some of the statements that were made at the Senate confirmation hearings,” Dr. Pekosz says.

This is the biggest issue

Kennedy’s skepticism toward vaccines has caused medical experts to question his fitness for the role. During a Senate hearing, Kennedy secured the vote he needed to become HHS Secretary by promising a senator that he would not change the current vaccine schedule.^[] But on February 18, days after being sworn in, Kennedy vowed to investigate the schedule, the Associated Press reported.

Dr. Pekosz, who is a virologist, says that vaccines may be particularly under threat by the new administration. While the extent of this threat is unclear, he says, one already-apparent danger is vaccine rhetoric—and the lack thereof.

By keeping people in the dark about vaccine effectiveness or vaccine promotion among vulnerable communities, the government could negatively impact vaccination rates without touching the vaccines themselves.

“You see the disappearance of the tools that help communicate the effectiveness and the benefits of vaccines, and that's going to lead to a lower use of vaccines because that information isn't there,” Dr. Pekosz says.

Changing dietary guidelines

Kennedy has been a vocal critic of seed oils, such as canola, soybean, and sunflower oils, labeling them as "toxic" and attributing them to various health issues. In his new role, he is expected to advocate for dietary guidelines that favor alternatives like beef tallow over seed oils, potentially influencing both federal nutrition recommendations and food industry practices. This stance has already prompted some businesses, including fast-food chains like Steak 'n Shake, to transition from seed oils to beef tallow in their cooking methods.^[]

Seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in moderation, are part of a healthy diet. The concern arises when there is an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, potentially leading to inflammation. However, the wholesale replacement of seed oils with saturated fats like beef tallow may not align with current dietary guidelines aimed at reducing heart disease risk.^[]

Healthcare providers may want to prepare for potential changes in dietary recommendations and patient inquiries influenced by Kennedy's policies. Staying informed about the latest research and maintaining open communication with patients will be crucial in navigating these developments.