Trump Appoints Influential Doctor Casey Means as Surgeon General: What It Means for Public Health

US President Donald Trump has appointed Dr. Casey Means as the new Surgeon General, a position often referred to as the "nation’s doctor." This comes after his original nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, faced scrutiny regarding her qualifications.

Dr. Means is not just a physician; she’s an advocate for a health agenda backed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., called "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA). This movement criticizes pharmaceutical and food companies for contributing to chronic illnesses in the U.S. According to recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 60% of adults have at least one chronic disease, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.

Trump praised Dr. Means online, emphasizing her impressive credentials and her commitment to reversing the chronic disease crisis. While Dr. Nesheiwat was set to take over the role, she will instead assume a different position within the Health Department, details of which remain unannounced.

Dr. Means, 37, graduated from Stanford University but left a medical residency to focus on her ventures. She co-founded Levels, a company that specializes in glucose monitoring. Her work has garnered attention, particularly following the publication of her co-authored book, Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health. The book caught the eye of various conservative figures, including Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson.

In a featured appearance on Carlson’s podcast, Dr. Means argued that chronic diseases stem from harmful food and environmental factors. She claimed, "These insidious forces create slow, progressive illness, keeping patients profitable and reliant on pharmaceuticals throughout their lives."

Her strong support for Secretary Kennedy’s vision was evident when she declared, “He has a vision for the future that aligns with what I want for my family and the world.”

Dr. Nesheiwat’s nomination was recently mired in controversy when reports surfaced suggesting she misrepresented her medical degree. According to CBS News, she claimed to hold a degree from the University of Arkansas but actually earned it from the American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten.

The backlash against Dr. Nesheiwat grew when far-right personality Laura Loomer criticized her suitability, noting her pro-COVID vaccine stance and the degree issue.

Historically, the role of Surgeon General has been crucial in shaping public health policy. Jerome Adams, who served during Trump’s first term, was a prominent figure in managing the COVID-19 pandemic response.

As we move forward, experts highlight that addressing chronic diseases will require innovative approaches, emphasizing patient education and a reevaluation of nutritional guidelines. With appointments like Dr. Means, the focus may shift toward a more preventative and holistic view of health.

For more on this topic, you can refer to health-related studies, such as those found in the CDC’s recent reports on chronic disease statistics.

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