James L. Goddard

James L. Goddard

James L. Goddard was an American physician and public health official who served as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1966 to 1968. He played a significant role in the regulation of pharmaceuticals and the enforcement of drug safety laws during his tenure.

Early Life and Education

James L. Goddard was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He pursued his medical education at the Emory University School of Medicine, where he earned his M.D. degree. Following his graduation, Goddard completed his residency in internal medicine.

Career

Early Career

Before joining the FDA, Goddard held various positions in the field of public health. He worked with the CDC and was involved in several public health initiatives.

Commissioner of the FDA

Goddard was appointed as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. During his tenure, he focused on improving drug safety and efficacy. One of his notable achievements was the enforcement of the Kefauver Harris Amendment, which required drug manufacturers to provide proof of the effectiveness and safety of their drugs before approval.

Goddard also worked on enhancing the FDA's regulatory framework and increasing the agency's scientific capabilities. He advocated for stronger regulations on drug advertising and labeling to ensure that consumers received accurate information about the medications they were using.

Later Career

After leaving the FDA in 1968, Goddard continued to work in the field of public health. He held various positions in academia and public health organizations, contributing to the advancement of medical and public health knowledge.

Legacy

James L. Goddard is remembered for his contributions to drug safety and public health. His efforts in strengthening the regulatory framework of the FDA have had a lasting impact on the agency's ability to protect public health.

See Also

• Food and Drug Administration
• Kefauver Harris Amendment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Lyndon B. Johnson