David Gortler

Dr. David Gortler is a Research Assistant Professor at the Busch School of Business, The Catholic University of America, specializing in Political Economy with a focus on FDA oversight and pharmaceutical policy. He holds a PharmD from the University of Arizona, a clinical residency from Columbia University, and a postdoctoral fellowship in vascular medicine research from Yale University School of Medicine. His work bridges academia, policy, and ethics, advocating for FDA modernization and animal-free testing alternatives like Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) technology.

Previously, he served as an FDA Medical Officer, Associate Professor at Georgetown University, and senior advisor to the FDA Commissioner. He is a Senior Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation and a scholar at the Ethics and Public Policy Center’s HHS Accountability Project. His research emphasizes FDA accountability, drug safety, and reducing reliance on animal testing while enhancing transparency in pharmaceutical supply chains.

Notable contributions include critiques of FDA’s handling of drug approvals, advocacy for OOC technology, and investigations into international drug quality issues. He is a vocal proponent of ending animal testing and advancing ethical biotechnology practices.