Surgeon General Nominee Casey Means Advocates for Healing Focus

Dr. Casey Means, nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next Surgeon General of the United States, emphasized her commitment to “healing and prevention” during her confirmation hearing. In prepared testimony obtained by ABC News, Means outlined her vision for a healthcare approach that prioritizes holistic health over what she described as the “overmedicalization” of health services.

Confirming her nomination, Means stated her intention to guide Americans towards “wholeness and health,” a message she plans to deliver at her Senate confirmation hearing on March 29, 2025. This nomination follows the withdrawal of Trump’s original pick for the position, Janette Nesheiwat, just a day before her scheduled hearing. Means’ nomination has drawn attention not only for her unconventional approach to healthcare but also due to her background as a wellness entrepreneur.

In her testimony, Means highlighted her experience treating thousands of patients and running her own medical practice. Despite this, her credentials have faced scrutiny. After graduating from Stanford Medical School, she began a surgical residency at Oregon Health and Science University but did not complete the program, citing disillusionment with surgical practices. Consequently, she is not board-certified, which limits her capacity to practice medicine independently. Currently, her medical license is listed as inactive.

Means’ nomination comes at a time when the Biden administration’s health policies are under review. She aims to join Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in addressing chronic diseases and fostering a critical perspective on traditional medicine. Her brother, Calley Means, serves as a senior adviser in the White House, further intertwining her role with the administration’s health initiatives.

In a recent submission to government officials, Means pledged to resign from her advisory position at Levels Health, Inc., a wellness company that offers a range of health services, including blood tests and glucose monitoring. Subscription costs for their services range from $288 to $1,499 annually. She also committed to cease promoting wellness products and her book, “Good Energy,” published in 2024. Additionally, Means plans to divest from her holdings in various companies, including the Altria Group, known for producing Marlboro cigarettes. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services clarified that the Altria stock was purchased by Means’ husband prior to their marriage.

In her prepared remarks, Means expressed a desire to inspire a “great national healing,” calling for policies that make health more accessible and affordable. She articulated a shared aspiration among Americans for a healthier future, noting the challenges posed by current societal structures that hinder healthy choices.

With a personal touch, Means revealed her impending motherhood, stating that she is over 40 weeks pregnant. She expressed a deep sense of responsibility towards creating a healthier future for children, which she feels aligns with her professional goals.

Dr. Casey Means is positioned to make a significant impact if confirmed, with her focus on prevention and holistic health potentially shaping the future of public health policy in the United States.