President Donald Trump has recently announced his nomination for the new Surgeon General, choosing Dr. Casey Means for the role. This decision came after the withdrawal of his initial pick, former Fox News contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. Dr. Means, a holistic medicine doctor and wellness influencer, has been vocal about her aspirations for improving the health of Americans on a policy level.
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Having attended Stanford University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in human biology in 2009, Dr. Means pursued a medical degree at the same institution. While she started a surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University, she opted to leave before completing her final year. Dr. Means returned to Stanford in 2020 as a lecturer, focusing on teaching a course that integrates food, design, and technology.
Dr. Casey Means holds an MD postgraduate license but shifted it to inactive status in 2019. Describing herself as a “metabolic health evangelist,” she aims to create a happier and healthier world. Alongside her brother, Calley Means, Dr. Means co-founded Levels, a digital health company that seeks to help individuals understand the impact of food on their health through personalized data.
Expressing scepticism about vaccines, Dr. Means has called for reform of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 and unbiased research on vaccine safety. While she aligns with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views on health, she has highlighted concerns about the current vaccine schedule’s effects on children’s health. Despite her stance, millions of children receive vaccines safely each year, as reported by the CDC.
Dr. Casey Means and her brother Calley Means played pivotal roles as advisers on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2024 presidential campaign. They are strong supporters of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda, which criticises pharmaceutical and food companies for contributing to the rise in chronic diseases. Their collaborative efforts include co-authoring a book, “Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health,” focusing on strategies to achieve better health outcomes.
President Trump emphasised Dr. Means’ expertise in addressing chronic diseases and highlighted her contributions to improving public health. Advocating for a shift towards healthier lifestyles to combat illnesses like diabetes and obesity, Dr. Means has stressed the impact of environmental factors on health. Her podcast appearances have underscored her commitment to raising awareness about the underlying causes of chronic diseases.
In conclusion, Dr. Casey Means’s nomination as the new Surgeon General reflects a shift towards holistic approaches to healthcare and public health policies. With her background in holistic medicine and dedication to promoting wellness, she brings a unique perspective to the role. Her ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and advocacy for addressing chronic diseases through lifestyle changes signal a potential shift in public health priorities under the Trump administration.