U.S. flag An official website of the United States government

On Oct. 1, 2024, the FDA began implementing a reorganization impacting many parts of the agency. We are in the process of updating FDA.gov content to reflect these changes.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  1. Home
  2. Science & Research
  3. FDA STEM Outreach, Education and Engagement
  4. Miriam Dinatale, Chief Medical Officer, DO, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
  1. FDA STEM Outreach, Education and Engagement

Miriam Dinatale, Chief Medical Officer, DO, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

Miriam Dinatale, Chief Medical Officer

Q1: How did your career begin at FDA?

Miriam Dinatale: Prior to starting at FDA, I worked as an active-duty Air Force family medicine physician at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Although I enjoyed seeing patients in clinic, I felt like something was missing. I realized that I wanted to have larger impact on public health. I learned about the Division of Pediatrics and Maternal Health, formerly known as the Pediatric and Maternal Health Staff, from an FDA medical officer who was working in the division, and I was amazed by the great work that the division was doing to ensure that medications used by children and pregnant and lactating women are safe.  I decided to apply for the position of medical officer in PMHS, and I began my career at FDA in September 2013.

Q2: What do you value most about working at FDA?

MD: I value my work as a team leader in the Division of Pediatrics and Maternal Health and building relationships with my team members. I value the work that my team and I do to advance the public health of our nation, especially for pregnant and lactating individuals.

Q4: What are you most proud of in terms of your work at FDA?

MD: I am proud of the work that I do to advance research in the area of pregnancy and lactation and to ensure that the prescription drugs that pregnant and lactating individuals are taking are safe for them and their infants.

Q5: What advice would you give to an FDA job seeker?

MD: To an FDA job seeker, I would advise them to not give up. If they are truly invested in the mission of FDA, they should keep trying to apply and an opportunity for a position will arise.

Q6: When you're not at work, what is your favorite way to unwind?

MD: When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons.  My boys are both active in sports and boy scouts, and we enjoy going on family hikes, camping trips, and doing community service. I also enjoy gardening and traveling.

Back to Top