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1993.02.03 :  Appointment -- Bruce Burlington 

Contact: Betsy Adams - (301) 443-4177 (Home) - (410) 867-0679
February 3, 1993

     Commissioner of Food and Drugs David A. Kessler, M.D., today
announced the appointment of Bruce Burlington, M.D., as director of
the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and
Radiological Health.
     The center is responsible for ensuring the safety and
effectiveness of all medical devices, including heart valves,
breast implants, hip and joint replacements and hospital equipment. 
The center also ensures the safety of consumer and medical
radiation-emitting equipment, such as x-ray machines, microwave
ovens, mammography machines and television sets.
     "Dr. Burlington has demonstrated his ability to resolve
complex issues of health and public policy, and he is a strong and
effective manager," Dr. Kessler said.  "His experience in enhancing
product development and review across the agency -- in biologics,
in generic drugs and, most recently, with new drugs -- will serve
him well in the regulation of new medical technologies.  "These
technologies can mean the difference between life and death," Dr.
Kessler added, "and Dr. Burlington's appointment demonstrates FDA's
commitment to fostering the availability of safe and effective
medical devices."
     Dr. Burlington joined FDA in 1981.  Since 1988, he has been  
director of the Office of Drug Evaluation II in the Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research (CDER), with responsibility for scientific
and managerial supervision of anti-infective, antiviral, metabolic
and endocrine drug products.  From 1989 to 1990, he also served as
acting director of the Office of Generic Drugs.  Since 1990, he has
held the post of deputy director for medical affairs of CDER, as a
collateral duty.  
     "In his medical affairs post, Dr. Burlington has been
especially active in international harmonization of drug approval
standards, program accountability and productivity," said Deputy
Commissioner for Operations Jane E. Henney, M.D.  "He has been
particularly effective in dealing with complex issues related to
the planning and implementation of user fees as well as the
effective use of the agency's scientific advisory committees."
     From 1986 to 1988, Dr. Burlington was in charge of the
division of biological investigative new drugs in the Center for
Biologics Evaluation and Research.  And, from 1981 to 1986, he was
a research fellow and then chief of the respiratory virus
laboratory in FDA's biologics unit.
     Dr. Burlington earned his medical degree from Louisiana State
University School of Medicine in 1975.  He came to FDA after
completing his internship and residency in medicine and a  
 University of Colorado Medical Center.
     He succeeds James S. Benson, who recently left the government
after a long and distinguished career in federal service.
     The FDA is one of eight Public Health Service agencies in HHS.
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