Using clinical literature and web sites addressing FDA procedures, that review concisely described the FDA's history, the official approval process, and recent developments in drug approval. However, it did not delve into common misconceptions about the FDA, tensions within the agency, or conflicts of interest in the drug approval process. The rapidly growing business of medical device development, distinct from the drug approval process, also was not addressed. Although most aspects of the FDA review process are highly successful, its limitations deserve careful consideration, because they may have important implications for choosing treatments in practice.Recent recalls of drugs and devices call attention to limitations of the approval process.2-4 Recent news about complications of hormone replacement therapy 5,6 and new data supporting the superiority of diuretic therapy over newer, more expensive alternatives for hypertension 7 emphasize gaps in the process. Clinicians should be aware of regulatory limitations as they prescribe treatments and counsel patients, so they have realistic ideas about what FDA approval does and does not mean. Because controversies relating to internal conflicts or political issues are infrequently reported in scientific journals, this discussion draws not only on scientific articles, but also internet resources, news accounts, and interviews. The goal was not to be exhaustive, but to provide examples of tensions, conflicts, and gaps in the FDA process.As Lipsky and Sharp noted, the FDA approves new drugs and devices (as well as assuring that foods and cosmetics are safe). It monitors over $1 trillion worth of products, which represents nearly a fourth of consumer spending.