Ep. 73: Why physicians are suing RFK Jr., with attorney Richard H. Hughes IV, J.D., M.P.H.

Richard H. Hughes IV, J.D., M.P.H., joins the show to discuss the recent lawsuit filed against Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., by major medical groups — including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians (ACP), the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and a "Jane Doe" pregnant physician — regarding the removal of the COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women and healthy children from the immunization schedules of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Hughes, a health care attorney representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, also serves as voting director for the nonprofit vaccine advocacy organization, Vaccinate Your Family.

You can find our coverage of the lawsuit here.

And don't miss our previous episodes on Medicare reform, agentic AI, the state of private practice and the physician shortage.

Music Credits:
CHILL RELAXED FEEL GOOD HIPHOP by Future Vision - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
COCKTAIL by Mythical Audio - stock.adobe.com

Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.

Introduction to the Lawsuit (00:00:00) Overview of the lawsuit challenging HHS Secretary’s actions undermining vaccine access and confidence.

Podcast and Guest Introduction (00:00:24) Host introduces the podcast, episode topic, and guest Richard H. Hughes.

Background of the Lawsuit and Plaintiffs (00:01:31) Details on the lawsuit’s plaintiffs and the specific HHS action being challenged.

Significance of Vaccine Recommendations (00:03:32) Discussion on the importance of official vaccine recommendations in clinical practice and policy.

Impact on Public Health and Clinical Practice (00:05:24) How the directive affects providers, patients, and vaccine access, especially for pregnant women and children.

Scientific Basis of the Directive (00:06:27) Questioning whether the HHS directive was based on established scientific evidence and proper procedures.

ACIP Deliberations and Future Vaccine Targets (00:07:55) Discussion of ACIP’s recent actions and potential future changes to the immunization schedule.

Role of Medical Organizations and Need for Legal Action (00:09:30) Why legal action is necessary despite strong medical society recommendations.

Continuation of Medical Recommendations (00:11:00) Assurance that medical organizations will continue to make vaccine recommendations.

Legal Process and Next Steps (00:11:31) Explanation of the legal process, upcoming hearings, and expected timeline for a court decision.

Potential Impact on Upcoming Flu Season (00:12:15) Whether court action can occur in time to affect the upcoming respiratory and flu season.

Message to Primary Care Physicians (00:12:54) Encouragement for physicians to rely on professional guidelines and address vaccine misinformation.

Closing Remarks and Farewell (00:13:35) Conclusion of the interview and expressions of appreciation.

Podcast Outro and Subscription Information (00:14:10) Host wraps up the episode, provides subscription and newsletter information.