Dr. Mehmet Oz, born in June 1960 in Cleveland, Ohio, has a notable career that spans medicine, media, and public service. After earning an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, he went on to receive an M.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to being a dual citizen of Turkey and the United States, Oz fulfilled mandatory military training in the Turkish Army.
His medical career includes a residency at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he rose to the rank of professor of surgery before becoming a professor emeritus in 2018. He co-founded a cardiac care center that focused on alternative treatments for heart disease and gained fame through various media appearances, particularly on The Oprah Winfrey Show, leading to the creation of The Dr. Oz Show, which aired for 13 successful seasons. In 2022, he ran for the U.S. Senate seat to represent Pennsylvania but was not elected.
In November 2024, President Trump appointed Oz as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a role for which he was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in during April 2025. Recently, Dr. Oz has made headlines with the CMS reaffirming its stance that Medicaid funds should not be allocated for gender reassignment treatments or surgeries for minors.
Oz emphasized this point, stating that such procedures could lead to “permanent, irreversible harm, including sterilization,” and underscored the agency’s commitment to ensuring medical care is lawful, necessary, and in the best interest of patients. As part of this initiative, CMS sent a letter to state Medicaid agencies outlining that spending must align with quality of care standards, addressing concerns over the long-term impacts of cross-sex hormones and surgeries.
At least ten states are now considering legislation that would restrict Medicaid funding for transgender treatments, further igniting discussions on the management of such medical interventions for minors.
Overall, Dr. Oz’s position at CMS indicates a shift towards more conservative guidelines on gender reassignment treatments, which aligns with concerns voiced by many advocates for children’s health and safety.
As the conversation continues on this sensitive issue, it is vital to keep open lines of dialogue that prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved. Dr. Oz’s leadership role at CMS presents an opportunity for meaningful discussions on healthcare policies that balance patient welfare with medical ethics.