Surgeon General Nominee Casey Means Pledges Focus on Healing

Dr. Casey Means, nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next Surgeon General of the United States, has committed to prioritizing “healing and prevention” over what she describes as “overmedicalization.” In her prepared testimony for the upcoming confirmation hearing, which is set for January 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C., Means emphasizes a vision aimed at improving the overall health of Americans.

Means, a wellness entrepreneur and medical influencer, is set to be one of the final major health appointees to appear before the Senate for confirmation. Her nomination follows the withdrawal of Trump’s initial choice, Janette Nesheiwat, just a day before her scheduled hearing. Trump publicly announced Means as his new nominee via social media, praising her academic achievements and professional experience. He stated, “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeons General in United States history.”

During her testimony, Means plans to outline her approach to health care, which aligns with the agenda of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. This agenda specifically targets chronic diseases and expresses skepticism towards traditional medical practices.

While Means highlights her extensive experience treating thousands of patients, her unconventional medical journey raises questions about her qualifications. A graduate of Stanford Medical School, she entered a surgical residency at Oregon Health and Science University, but left before completion due to disillusionment with surgical practices. This decision means she is not board-certified, which restricts her ability to practice medicine independently. Currently, her medical license is inactive.

In her recent government filings, Means pledged to resign from her advisory role at Levels Health, a company offering health packages that include various tests and coaching services. Subscription costs range from $288 to $1,499 annually. In addition, she will cease promoting her wellness products and her book, “Good Energy,” published last year. Furthermore, she has committed to divesting from stock in companies, including Altria Group, known for manufacturing Marlboro cigarettes, which was bought by her husband prior to their marriage.

In her testimony, Means articulates a vision where she encourages Americans to “join in a great national healing.” She aims to create an environment conducive to making healthy choices, emphasizing that good policy and education can enhance accessibility and affordability of health care.

As she prepares for her confirmation hearing, Means also notes her personal milestone of being over 40 weeks pregnant with her first child. She expresses a profound sense of responsibility to foster a healthier future for children. “As I stand on the threshold of motherhood, I feel profound awe at the privilege of bringing life into the world, and a deep responsibility to help create a future where more children grow up with vibrant health,” she states in her prepared remarks.

Dr. Casey Means represents a new wave of health leadership, emphasizing a shift towards more holistic approaches in American health care. Her confirmation hearing will reveal the Senate’s reception of her vision and qualifications as she seeks to become America’s top doctor.