Yellowhammer Times

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced Dr. Brian Christine of Mountain Brook, Alabama, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) nomination hearing. Dr. Christine has been nominated by President Trump to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services.

In his introduction, Tuberville highlighted Dr. Christine’s background as a board-certified urologic surgeon with nearly three decades of experience in Birmingham, Alabama. Tuberville noted that Dr. Christine is recognized for his work teaching advanced surgical techniques nationally and internationally and described his dedication to service stemming from his family’s military and immigrant roots.

“Thank you very much. It’s an honor to introduce my friend and constituent, Dr. Brian Christine. Also thrilled to welcome today his wife, Helena, and sister, Kathleen. Thank you for being here.

Dr. Christine is a board-certified urologic surgeon with nearly 30 years of clinical experience serving patients in Birmingham, Alabama. A recognized medical expert, Dr. Christine is known for teaching and demonstrating advanced surgical techniques, both nationally and internationally. Born in West Germany to a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and the grandson of Italian immigrants, he will bring a lifelong dedication to service, resilience, and American values to this role. Dr. Christine attended college in Georgia, what’s going on here? And earned his medical degree from Emory University. He later moved to Birmingham for his residency and has since dedicated his career to caring for the men and women of Alabama. Beyond the operating room, he has supported local law enforcement by volunteering as a trauma surgeon with tactical police units. If confirmed, Dr. Christine will oversee critical public health programs, regional health offices and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps where he has pledged to accept a commission and lead with a Main Street medicine approach.

His top priorities include addressing chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, pediatric obesity, mental health, and the nation’s physician shortage crisis. He is particularly focused on expanding access to primary care and improving health in rural and underserved communities.

With deep medical expertise, leadership experience, and a clear vision for reform, he is well equipped to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health, and I hope my federal colleagues will support his nomination – Dr. Christine.”

Dr. Christine thanked Senator Tuberville for the introduction: “Senator Tuberville, thank you so much for your kind words. Thank you also for the service that you’ve rendered to our nation here in the U.S. Senate and the service you have and will render to our home state of Alabama.”

During their exchange at the hearing,Tuberville questioned how trust could be restored in healthcare institutions after COVID-19: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman...in my lifetime I’ve never seen the deterioration of an institution like we have in the trust of the American people after COVID...How are you gonna try to put that back together? Because we desperately need some help in getting a positive attitude towards our hospitals and our doctors back to the American people.”

Dr.C hristine responded: “Yes,S enator Tuberville,...The loss of trust that we have seen in our healthcare institutions...are the worst that I’ve seen in over three decades of practice.People feel that during the pandemic particularly they were led astray,some people feel they were lied to.We have to work to restore that trust.Secretary Kennedy is 100% committed...as is President Trump.In my career as a surgeon,I’ve had to earn the trust of my patients...I believe I have the ability...to communicate...with honesty and transparency.I truly believe I can bring that skillset..."

Tuberville also addressed concerns about food safety:“Yeah.The American people are tired of being lied to about their food,the ingredients,...we need start looking out for Americans.How do you plan help Secretary with that?”

Dr.Chrisitne replied:“Well,we know Secretary Kennedy absolutely committed Make America Healthy Again agenda remove toxins from foods,...focus on not just treating chronic disease,but finding out what causes chronic disease,...work prevent eliminate those diseases.Secretary Kennedy always wanting approach things foundation science....I intend support him....To support him quest make Americans healthier than they’ve ever been.”

Addressing rural healthcare challenges,Tuberville asked,“Dr.Chrisitne,rural America.We got problems getting healthcare.Our state 60% rural Alabama.Most south rural.How do handle problem?”

Dr.Chrisitne answered,“Yes,S enator.[I think] one things speaking about are healthcare deserts–those areas where men,women children don’t have ready access primary care services such pediatrics gynecologic services family practice.We have find ways bridge those gaps.I think absolutely telehealth can help provide bridge these individuals....We absolutely must encourage increase number primary care physicians,family practitioners,pediatricians,...Now takes while spin up.But interim,we have find ways bridge gaps....one things intend do...will be true evangelist really go out encourage young men women who are medical school nursing school serve these areas....mission serve brothers sisters rural America healthcare deserts truly noble worthwhile.”

Tuberville concluded by emphasizing community loyalty toward rural hospitals:“And one thing we need sell too rural hospitals loyalty people these communities go these rural hospitals so we can save them.It’s not just they’re not being served.It’s just we have loyalty those areas."

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama on several Senate committees including Armed Services,Agriculture,Veterans’ Affairs,H ELP,and Aging.