Dismissal of Pediatric Cardiologist Linked to Vaccine Advisory Role

Kirk Milhoan, the newly appointed chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was reportedly dismissed from his pediatric cardiology practice due to his position on the committee. This dismissal coincided with the ACIP's recent controversial decision to roll back infant hepatitis B vaccination guidelines.

The Hill

The ACIP is responsible for providing guidance on immunization practices in the United States. Recently, the committee voted to no longer recommend a birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns, limiting the recommendation to infants born to mothers who test positive for the virus. This decision has faced significant backlash from various medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, which criticized the move as detrimental to public health.

The Hill

• Kirk Milhoan: Newly appointed chair of the ACIP and pediatric cardiologist.

The Hill

• Kimberly Milhoan: Kirk's wife, who publicly disclosed the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.

The Hill

In a Substack post titled “Irony,” Kimberly Milhoan stated that her husband was informed of his termination while attending the World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Hong Kong. She claimed that the dismissal was a direct result of the practice receiving numerous calls demanding his firing due to his role on the ACIP. She emphasized that Kirk Milhoan has been a long-time advocate for vaccines, acknowledging their risks while believing the benefits generally outweigh them.

The Hill

The decision to limit hepatitis B vaccination guidelines has drawn criticism from multiple medical societies. Critics argue that this change could lead to increased vulnerability among newborns and undermine public health efforts aimed at preventing hepatitis B transmission.

The Hill

As of now, there has been no confirmation from Christus Health regarding the specifics of Kirk Milhoan's termination. The lack of an official statement from the organization leaves questions about the circumstances surrounding his dismissal and whether it was indeed influenced by his role on the ACIP.

The Hill

• “While here, we found out he was being dismissed from his current practice of pediatric cardiology solely because of his service as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC),” — Kimberly Milhoan, Wife of Kirk Milhoan

The Hill

• “ “The greatest irony is my husband has been a vaccine advocate throughout his career.” — Kimberly Milhoan

The Hill

The situation raises questions about the potential implications for Kirk Milhoan's career and the future of the ACIP's vaccination guidelines. Further developments may emerge as medical organizations and the public respond to the recent changes in vaccination recommendations.

The Hill