Dr. Casey Means Nominated as U.S. Surgeon General
On Wednesday, President Trump officially announced the nomination of Dr. Casey Means to serve as the U.S. Surgeon General. Means is a notable supporter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and is recognized for her advocacy in the public health sector.
Transition in Leadership
Dr. Means takes over the role previously held by Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, whose nomination was withdrawn shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing due to concerns regarding the accuracy of her credentials.
Trump’s Endorsement
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Means, stating, “Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding.” He also referred to her credentials as “impeccable MAHA credentials,” alluding to the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative associated with Kennedy.
The Role of Surgeon General
The U.S. Surgeon General leads approximately 6,000 members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and significantly influences national public health policy. Dr. Means’ appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Background and Advocacy
Dr. Means, having graduated from Stanford Medical School, shifted her focus from traditional medicine to addressing fundamental health issues affecting Americans. She co-founded a health application called Levels, which connects users to glucose monitors, and has built a prominent presence as a health influencer.
Family and Public Engagement
Alongside her brother Calley Means, who has been instrumental in gaining Kennedy’s endorsement for Trump, Casey has gained visibility through interviews that critically examine the influence of the food and pharmaceutical industries on health. Their joint work, “Good Energy,” was inspired by their mother’s health struggles and highlights a systematic examination of health issues rather than reliance on medication alone.
Community Impact and Future Endeavors
Calley Means currently works as a special government employee, offering advice to Kennedy and supporting legislative measures aligned with his health agenda. Observers note that Dr. Casey Means was initially considered a frontrunner for the surgeon general position, a perspective shared by supporters during the recent political transition.
Conclusion
As the nomination process for Dr. Casey Means moves forward, her proposed tenure could bring a renewed focus on health advocacy that aligns with emerging perspectives in public health. The upcoming Senate confirmation will be crucial in determining the direction of her potential impact as U.S. Surgeon General.