A newly emerged Government Efficiency committee, spearheaded by innovators Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, has at its helm a seasoned healthcare entrepreneur and ex-chief health advisor, Brad Smith, according to reliable sources. At the White House, Smith directed the operations of the nascent Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE. Four insiders are on record stating that Smith managed the fledgling department during the transition period. His association with the project took him from his work base in Palm Beach, Florida, to the nation’s capital along with Musk and Ramaswamy this week.
Brad Smith is reportedly collaborating closely with Steve Davis, a trusted Musk aide who is often involved in unique and specific missions. William McGinley is another important figure connected to the efficiency panel, as the inaugural White House counsel appointee working on DOGE’s legal affairs.
The curation of DOGE is keenly observed due to the high hopes and criticisms associated with this cost-reduction initiative. The involvement of Smith in the leadership of this initiative implies that the group is gearing up to concentrate, to some extent, on the U.S. healthcare industry, a field wherein Smith is undoubtedly an expert.
Smith held a significant position at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, where he worked on the development of innovative payment structures for healthcare services. His responsibility extended to managing ‘Project Airbridge,’ a scheme initiated by the Federal government to transport medical supplies to the United States during the initial stages of the pandemic outbreak. His extensive involvement in the pandemic response is also evident in his contribution to the Operation Warp Speed board, a government initiative for the accelerated development of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Pertaining to the COVID-19 situation, Smith participated in a movement that advocated for the Food and Drug Administration to approve the usage of blood plasma therapy as a treatment method against the virus.
Smith also has other notable accomplishments in the healthcare industry. In October, it was revealed that Carebridge, Smith’s current enterprise, is set to be acquired by Elevance Health in a transaction believed to be worth up to $2.7 billion. In addition, Smith, in partnership with a former Republican senator from Tennessee, co-created another healthcare venture, Aspire Health, which focuses on providing palliative care at home.