Dr. Casey Means, recently nominated by President Trump for the position of U.S. surgeon general, is encountering significant opposition as her confirmation journey unfolds. Central to the concerns is that her medical license is currently inactive in Oregon, which may complicate her eligibility. Trump publicly touted her “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials,” linking her to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, a health reform initiative aimed at addressing chronic diseases and the deficiencies of the American healthcare system.
Dr. Means has gained popularity in the health and wellness community, particularly through her book “Good Energy” and her participation in various high-profile podcasts. However, this enthusiasm is not universally shared, particularly within the MAHA movement itself. Notably, Nicole Shanahan, who was once associated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., expressed her discontent over Means’ nomination, alleging that assurances were made about both siblings not being appointed within Health and Human Services.
Kennedy has publicly defended Means against the backlash, calling the criticism “absurd” and implying that it stems from interests aligned with pharmaceutical companies rather than genuine concerns over her qualifications. He stated that she is capable of being the best surgeon general in U.S. history.
In addition to her credentials from Stanford, Means left her surgical residency due to feeling disillusioned with conventional medicine and subsequently established a functional medicine practice. While some view her unconventional path as a strong asset, others, such as former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona, have expressed concern about her lack of traditional qualifications, such as completing a residency or maintaining active clinical experience.
The role of the surgeon general has evolved over time, focusing more on communication and public health awareness rather than regulatory powers. According to health law experts, having an active medical license seems essential for her confirmation. Activating her license, which would involve meeting continuing education requirements, presents a potential hurdle as the Senate reviews her nomination.
Dr. Means is stepping into this spotlight following Trump’s withdrawal of another nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, who faced scrutiny for not clearly representing her medical credentials. The ongoing scrutiny surrounding not just Means but other picks reflects an intricate dance within the political and healthcare landscape.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Means’ nomination may inspire a broader discussion about the future direction of public health leadership in the U.S. and the role alternative medical perspectives could play in addressing the nation’s health crises.