Professor Rob Field discussed the Food and Drug Administration's approval system in "FDA Can't Win: Criticized for Being Too Cautious, Not Cautious Enough ...," an article published in ABC News.com's Health section on June 23.

Following the approval last week of silicone breast implants, which the FDA noted could result in complications and that additional data was needed to provide a more detailed view of the device's safety and efficacy, the agency came under fire by advocacy groups citing the risks associated with the device.

"There are always going to be judgment calls, and it's unusual for anything to be deemed totally safe or totally unsafe," Field said of the FDA's approval system. "It's important to remember that each individual reacts differently. A person has to weigh their tolerance with risk."