A New Surgeon General on the Horizon
The Senate health committee will hear from Dr. Casey Means, a 38‑year‑old wellness advocate, on Wednesday as she seeks the top public health post in Washington. The meeting was pushed back from last October after Means unexpectedly went into labor the day she was scheduled to appear.
During her testimony, Means is expected to outline a plan that tackles chronic illness by targeting diet and lifestyle choices. Her approach aligns with the current health department’s shift away from controversial vaccine policies toward healthier eating habits, especially as elections draw nearer.
Background and Controversies
- Medical Credentials
- Earned a medical degree from Stanford.
Left surgical residency in 2018 after questioning the healthcare system’s fairness.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Promoted a range of health products.
- Founded the nutrition‑tracking app Levels.
Financial records show significant income from these ventures, sometimes without fully disclosing her stake.
- Potential Conflicts of Interest
- Her brother, Calley Means, serves as a senior adviser at the Department of Health and Human Services and has promoted the administration’s anti‑ultra‑processed food message.
Policy Implications
If confirmed, Means would:
- Issue national health advisories.
- Advance President Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, including:
- Removing additives from foods.
- Curbing federal conflicts of interest.
- Improving school lunch nutrition.
- Investigate vaccine safety more thoroughly, despite not endorsing the administration’s controversial stance.
Criticisms
- Lack of Government Experience – Critics note she has no current government roles.
- Inactive Medical License – Former surgeons general, Dr. Rich Carmona and Dr. Jerome Adams, publicly questioned her suitability due to the inactive license.
- Past Nomination Withdrawals – The nomination follows the withdrawal of former Fox News medical commentator Janette Nesheiwat, who faced backlash.
Outcome
The hearing will determine whether a wellness influencer can lead the nation’s public health efforts or if the position should remain with someone who has a more traditional medical and governmental background.
