Scott Gottlieb, MD, is a Partner on the Healthcare investment team at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), a leading global venture capital firm. His formal association with NEA dates back to 2007 when he served as a Venture Partner until 2017. After a distinguished public service career, he returned to NEA in 2019 as a Special Partner and was subsequently elevated to full Partner status.
Professional Background and Role at NEA
Dr. Gottlieb leverages his extensive experience in healthcare policy, regulatory affairs, and medical innovation to guide NEA’s investments in cutting-edge healthcare companies. His role encompasses strategic guidance, due diligence, board participation, and active collaboration with portfolio companies. He is notably involved with multiple NEA portfolio companies in leadership or board capacities, particularly those focused on healthcare innovation, biotechnology, and AI applications in medicine, including but not limited to:
- Aetion
- Resilience
- Xaira Therapeutics (AI-focused)
- Tempus
- Pathos
These associations highlight his expertise in medically-oriented investments, especially companies innovating at the intersection of healthcare and technology.
Public Service and Regulatory Expertise
Scott Gottlieb served as the 23rd Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from May 2017 to April 2019. During his tenure, he spearheaded a record number of drug approvals and implemented initiatives to streamline regulatory processes for novel drugs and medical devices. His accomplishments at the FDA include:
- Enhancing the efficiency of drug and device approvals, including accelerating gene therapy endorsements.
- Increasing oversight of homeopathic and other medical products to safeguard public health.
- Strengthening regulatory pathways for breakthrough medical innovations.
He previously served as Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs at the FDA in 2005, further underscoring his longstanding involvement in regulatory medicine. His leadership was recognized as bipartisan and impactful, earning praise across political lines.
Academic and Thought Leadership
Dr. Gottlieb holds an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency in internal medicine. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, reflecting his standing in the medical research community. Beyond NEA, he is a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he continues to focus on advancing public health through entrepreneurship, regulatory innovation, and medical product development.
He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book:
- Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic (2021)
This work provides an analytical perspective on pandemic response, public health preparedness, and predictive strategies for future viral threats.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
In addition to his NEA portfolio involvement, Scott Gottlieb holds influential positions on key boards and advisory panels, including:
- Pfizer, where he serves as a board member and non-executive chairman.
- Various NEA portfolio companies, with direct influence in strategic decision-making and governance.
His expertise is frequently solicited in media and industry forums, reflecting his role as a leading voice in healthcare innovation and policy.
Recognition and Awards
Scott Gottlieb has received multiple prestigious honors for his contributions to medicine, public health, and healthcare leadership, including:
- Named by Fortune Magazine as one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” in 2018 and 2019 (ranked #6 in 2018).
- Listed by Time Magazine among the “50 People Transforming Healthcare.”
- Recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the “Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders” (2018, 2019, 2020).
- Recipient of the 2022 ASHP Board of Directors Award of Honor, acknowledging his significant contributions outside the pharmacy discipline.
- Awarded the Duane Roth Achievement Award (2020) for his impact on advancing public health.
- Honored by philanthropic and healthcare ethics organizations for leadership and ethical contributions in healthcare.
Professional Impact and Relevance
Scott Gottlieb combines a physician’s expertise with high-level policy experience and venture capital insight, making him a pivotal figure in healthcare investment and innovation. His broad track record in regulating, shaping, and fostering medical advancements positions him as an influential leader in identifying and scaling promising healthcare startups. His continued focus on regulatory evolution, pandemic preparedness, AI in medicine, and breakthrough biotech is directly aligned with emerging trends in healthcare markets.
His insights into FDA regulatory processes, drug development pathways, and healthcare market dynamics provide valuable strategic leverage for NEA’s portfolio companies and potential investments.
LinkedIn Profile: [Scott Gottlieb](https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-gottlieb-25106556/)
NEA Team Profile: [Scott Gottlieb, MD](https://www.nea.com/team/scott-gottlieb-md)
