The Jim Interview

Abstract

On February 25, 2002, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson appointed Lester M. Crawford, Jr., DVM, PhD, the new deputy commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Crawford previously headed the Center for Food and Nutrition Policy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va. From 1987 to 1991, he was administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. He received his veterinary medical degree from Auburn University and his doctoral degree in pharmacology from the University of Georgia. During his career, he has served as executive director of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, executive vice president of the National Food Processors Association, chair of the Department of Physiology/ Pharmacology at the University of Georgia, and practicing veterinarian.