Before becoming director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) earlier this year, Stanford physician and economist Dr. Jay Bhattacharya was an outspoken critic of the country’s COVID-19 lockdowns under longtime NIH head Dr. Francis Collins.
A researcher focused on aging and chronic disease, Bhattacharya is known for coauthoring the Great Barrington Declaration in 2020, using scientific modeling to argue for focused protection of the vulnerable rather than sweeping restrictions. But few realized that Bhattacharya—a churchgoing Presbyterian—also drew from his faith to advocate for a more relational response, including preaching on the topic.
As Bhattacharya comes into his new role, fellow scientist and Christian Dr. S. Joshua Swamidass interviewed the NIH director about his convictions and his plans to lead the medical-research agency while controversy and questions swirl around the current administration’s approach to science and medicine.
Bhattacharya spoke to CT about his faith and the challenge of rebuilding trust in public health while addressing the crisis of chronic disease.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
