More than 15,000 doctors have signed a letter circulated by the Committee to Protect Health Care in opposition to Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of health and human services, Robert F Kennedy Jr.

“As physicians who care deeply about the health and safety of our patients and communities, we are appalled by Donald Trump’s reckless decision to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS),” the letter states.

It added: “The health and well-being of 336 million Americans depend on leadership at HHS that prioritizes science, evidence-based medicine, and strengthening the integrity of our public health system. RFK Jr. is not only unqualified to lead this essential agency – he is actively dangerous.”