Obama Nominates Well-Known Scientist—a Strong Believer—to Head National Institute of Health

Aimee Herd : Jul 11, 2009
The Brody File – CBN News, MLive.com

"Would not God who gave us this glorious creation of His, and who gave us the intelligence to be able to try and understand it, would He not be worshipped by our applying those tools to appreciate what He has done for us?" –Dr. Francis Collins

According to a CBN report, President Barack Obama recently chose Dr. Francis Collins, the mastermind of the Human Genome Project, to lead the National Institute of Health. Dr. Collins is an outspoken Christian.

Described by research director of the Van Andel Institute, Dr. Jeffrey Trent, as having "inherent brilliance," Dr. Collins is credited with cracking the genetic code. An article on MLive.com states that he "developed a technique…that allowed researchers to scan large segments of the human genome in search of disease-producing genes…"

Later on, he and his team of researchers used that same technique to identify genes for Huntington's disease, among others, including those of the "M4 type of adult acute leukemia." (Photo: Wikipedia)

Dr. Trent, who worked with Collins on the Human Genome Project, noted that Collins—in his new position—would be a voice of reason when it comes to the issue of Health Care.

"Francis will play a major role in the development of aspects related to the health care debate," said Trent. "He will be one of those unique individuals to usher out the one-size-fits-all medicine and usher in the 'putting the patient first in our treatment' decisions."

In an interview several years ago with CBN News, Collins said, "Would not God who gave us this glorious creation of His, and who gave us the intelligence to be able to try and understand it, would He not be worshipped by our applying those tools to appreciate what He has done for us? That draws me closer to Him in a way I really can't quite put into words. But it gives me a sense of just how grand and awesome His mind must be."

Collins' appointment must still be confirmed by the US Senate.

To watch the CBN News interview with Dr. Collins, follow the link provided.