In the early days of Facebook, the company’s progress was guided by the “move fast and break things” principle. To a certain extent, this was the motto across the tech industry to put products on the market. This principle emphasized the benefit of speed and experimentation, often with mistakes and disruption in relation to regulations and traditional practices, over a slow and cautious pace.
The Shift in Tech Industry Dynamics
With tech moguls now working closely with the second Trump administration, this concept has been adopted at a governmental level in the US. As a result, things are indeed moving fast, and breaking, with thousands of jobs across key agencies have been eliminated. This includes sensitive sectors such as healthcare where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the world’s leading regulatory agency, experienced widespread layoffs and scrambling rehires.
Concerns Over FDA's Future
As this happened in a matter of weeks of the new administration taking office, it leads to concerns over the FDA’s future; especially in new and rapidly evolving areas such as digital health and healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) which were markedly affected by the layoffs.
Analysis of FDA Layoffs
In February 2025, as part of a cost-cutting approach initiated by the White House and the Department of Government Efficiency, which is led by billionaire Elon Musk, a thousand employees were fired from the FDA. As with other agencies affected by this “move fast, break things” approach, the FDA terminations targeted those in their probationary period, which is usually the first two years of federal employment.
Impact on Emerging Digital Health Sectors
Despite the rehires, this leaves a vacuum in key areas of FDA’s regulatory oversight – due to the US President’s executive order to limit the rate of future hiring – and a sense of uncertainty amidst the broader medical community.
Digital Health Fields Affected by Layoffs
The immediate effects of the reduction of the FDA’s work will mean that the agency will take longer to review applications, which will cascade into reduced efficiency and overall oversight. With fewer hires, the agency’s expertise and expansion in emerging healthcare fields will further diminish.
1. Digital Health Devices
The majority of the layoffs impacted the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), with a reported 200 device staff positions made redundant. As such, this could affect the review and regulation of digital health devices such as brain implants, new surgical staplers and insulin-delivery systems.
2. Healthcare AI
FDA employees specializing in healthcare AI were hit particularly hard by the terminations. It is estimated that half of that division was laid off. The approval of such new technologies is among the most challenging and complicated; and a reduced workforce overseeing them will face additional challenges in keeping up with the breakneck speed of AI development.
3. Digital Therapeutics
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are an emerging digital health approach which involves the delivery of clinically-backed solutions via software (usually smartphone apps). They can aid in reducing readmission rates and managing chronic conditions more effectively.
4. Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)
Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) is defined by the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) as “software intended to be used for one or more medical purposes that perform these purposes without being part of a hardware medical device”.
5. 3D Printing in Healthcare
The FDA’s CDRH also evaluates 3D-printed medical devices to determine safety and effectiveness. 3D printing has been a promising approach in healthcare for decades but their rate of market availability has been stifled by regulatory hurdles.
Potential Future of FDA’s Role
The recent layoffs at the FDA do not (hopefully) presage the demise of the agency. Its importance is widely recognized, as reflected by lobbyists who aided towards the rehiring of some employees. However, this state of affairs adds a sense of uncertainty to what has been, so far, considered the world’s leading and most forward-looking regulatory agency in medicine and healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is a way to approach health care that takes into account all aspects of the body, as well as its spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. It recognizes that each illness must have multiple causes, and therefore requires a combination or several treatments to be most effective.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They work closely with their patients to help them achieve optimal wellness.
They are trained to spot the root causes and prevent future disease. Holistic physicians consider the entire body and not merely the physical organs. They commonly refer to the entire person as “the body”.
It means they treat the body holistically and look beyond the skin. The doctor may suggest changes to diet, lifestyle, and exercise. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
Can a holistic practitioner write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.
To fully grasp the effect of each factor on a patient, a physician must have a good understanding of both modern science as well traditional methods such a homeopathy or herbs.
Many doctors are certified in alternative and complementary medicine (C&A). This allows them the ability to offer a wide variety of services to their clients.
Is holistic medical legitimate?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They won't cure everyone. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” It depends on what you mean when you use the term “holistic”.
Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. This is false. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It could save you money and time in the long run.
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches
- What's in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health? NCCIH
cam.cancer.gov
liebertpub.com
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
How To
How to deal with my girlfriend who believes in alternative medicine?
The internet offers guidance for those caring for a loved one with a mental illness. But there is little information out there to help when it comes to dealing with someone who believes in alternative medicine.
It appears that there is a large divide between the two groups. There are two types of people: those who doubt conventional medicine and those who are open to its benefits.
What happens if someone you know believes in alternative therapies for mental health issues.
It's possible to feel frustrated and confused because you don’t know what to do. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when he suggests to you that he would prefer to eat gluten-free foods than take antidepressants.
It is important that you ask questions. It is important to ask questions early so that you don't have to suffer later.
But how do you ask these difficult questions without offending him? What if the man says he doesn’t trust doctors. Tell him that he should not trust anyone.
Or what if she says that she thinks that antidepressants aren't working? You should tell her she is wrong.
This is where it gets complicated. She may be even more offended if it is pointed out that she is wrong.
Another option is to suggest that she consults a psychiatrist. This may create more problems than it solves. You might be angry with her for suggesting it. Perhaps she thinks you are trying her to control the rest of her life.
What should you do?
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Pranavsingh Dhunnoo
Title: The Impact of FDA Layoffs on Digital Health: What You Need to Know
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/5-digital-health-areas-to-be-impacted-by-the-fda-layoffs
Published Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is a way to approach health care that takes into account all aspects of the body, as well as its spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. It recognizes that each illness must have multiple causes, and therefore requires a combination or several treatments to be most effective.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They work closely with their patients to help them achieve optimal wellness.
They are trained to spot the root causes and prevent future disease. Holistic physicians consider the entire body and not merely the physical organs. They commonly refer to the entire person as “the body”.
It means they treat the body holistically and look beyond the skin. The doctor may suggest changes to diet, lifestyle, and exercise. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
Can a holistic practitioner write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.
To fully grasp the effect of each factor on a patient, a physician must have a good understanding of both modern science as well traditional methods such a homeopathy or herbs.
Many doctors are certified in alternative and complementary medicine (C&A). This allows them the ability to offer a wide variety of services to their clients.
Is holistic medical legitimate?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They won't cure everyone. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” It depends on what you mean when you use the term “holistic”.
Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. This is false. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It could save you money and time in the long run.
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches
- What's in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health? NCCIH
cam.cancer.gov
liebertpub.com
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
How To
How to deal with my girlfriend who believes in alternative medicine?
The internet offers guidance for those caring for a loved one with a mental illness. But there is little information out there to help when it comes to dealing with someone who believes in alternative medicine.
It appears that there is a large divide between the two groups. There are two types of people: those who doubt conventional medicine and those who are open to its benefits.
What happens if someone you know believes in alternative therapies for mental health issues.
It's possible to feel frustrated and confused because you don’t know what to do. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when he suggests to you that he would prefer to eat gluten-free foods than take antidepressants.
It is important that you ask questions. It is important to ask questions early so that you don't have to suffer later.
But how do you ask these difficult questions without offending him? What if the man says he doesn’t trust doctors. Tell him that he should not trust anyone.
Or what if she says that she thinks that antidepressants aren't working? You should tell her she is wrong.
This is where it gets complicated. She may be even more offended if it is pointed out that she is wrong.
Another option is to suggest that she consults a psychiatrist. This may create more problems than it solves. You might be angry with her for suggesting it. Perhaps she thinks you are trying her to control the rest of her life.
What should you do?
