Controversy swirls around the appointment of Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a Maui pediatric cardiologist, to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This appointment, made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has ignited intense debate due to Milhoan's past advocacy for unproven COVID-19 treatments. During the pandemic, Milhoan actively promoted and administered ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, drugs not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, to his patients. His actions, which disregarded public health guidelines and official recommendations, drew sharp criticism from Hawaiian officials, including former Governor David Ige and former Health Director Libby Char.
Milhoan's controversial approach extended beyond his medical practice. He actively opposed mask mandates and social distancing measures at his church, Calvary Chapel South Maui, arguing that the church's mission superseded these precautions. Further fueling the controversy, he co-founded The Pono Coalition for Informed Consent, a group advocating for the use of unproven drugs over established COVID-19 vaccines. While a complaint filed against him by the Hawai'i Medical Board was later dropped, his actions remain a point of contention.
The ACIP, which advises the CDC on vaccine recommendations, underwent a complete reshuffling under Kennedy, with all previous members replaced. Several of the new appointees, including Milhoan, have voiced strong opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and promoted alternative, often unproven, treatments. This has raised concerns about the panel's future recommendations and the potential impact on public health confidence in vaccinations. Milhoan's inclusion has particularly raised eyebrows given his history, despite possessing active medical licenses in several states.
Milhoan declined to comment directly, citing a request from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate interviews through their media team. This, in turn, also declined to provide comment despite repeated requests. The ACIP's upcoming meeting will address several vaccines, including COVID-19, and Milhoan's presence on the panel promises to bring continued scrutiny to its deliberations. The ongoing decline in public trust in routine childhood immunizations, as highlighted by a recent KFF-Washington Post survey, further underscores the significance of this appointment and its potential consequences.
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Originally published at: https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/09/maui-doctor-who-promoted-dubious-covid-treatments-named-to-rfks-vaccine-panel/
