Surgeon General Nominee Casey Means Promotes Health Over Medicalization

Dr. Casey Means, nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the United States Surgeon General, emphasized a vision focused on “healing and prevention” during her confirmation testimony. This approach seeks to address the challenges posed by “overmedicalization” in healthcare, as outlined in her prepared remarks obtained by ABC News.

At her confirmation hearing scheduled for January 29, 2025, Means intends to advocate for a healthcare system that promotes holistic wellness and the empowerment of individuals to make healthier choices. She stated that her goal is to guide Americans back toward “wholeness and health.” If confirmed, Means would become one of the last significant health nominees to undergo Senate scrutiny in the current administration.

Means, who has a background as a wellness entrepreneur and influencer, was nominated after the withdrawal of Trump’s initial pick, Janette Nesheiwat. The President highlighted Means’ academic achievements and her dedication to public health, describing her as a potential standout in the role of America’s leading health official.

In her confirmation testimony, Means noted her extensive experience, claiming to have treated “thousands of patients in clinics and operating rooms” and having run her own medical practice. Despite these claims, her unconventional medical career has raised questions regarding her qualifications for the position. After graduating from Stanford Medical School, Means entered a surgical residency at Oregon Health and Science University but left the program before completion, citing disillusionment with surgical practices. This departure has left her unable to pursue board certification, limiting her ability to practice in a clinical setting.

To address potential conflicts of interest, Means has pledged to resign from her advisory role with Levels Health, Inc., a wellness firm that offers various health services, including blood tests and health coaching. Subscription fees for their services range from $288 to $1,499 annually. Furthermore, she has committed to ceasing her promotional activities for wellness products and her recently published book, “Good Energy.” Notably, she also plans to divest from shares in several companies, including Altria Group, the parent company of Marlboro cigarettes.

In her prepared remarks, Means expressed a desire to inspire a national movement toward healing. She acknowledged that many Americans face obstacles to making healthy choices, advocating for policies that enhance access to health resources. “Good policy and education can make health easier, more affordable, and more accessible,” she stated.

Moreover, Means shared her personal experience as she approaches motherhood, noting that she is currently over 40 weeks pregnant with her first child. She reflected on the significance of this life stage, expressing her commitment to fostering a healthier future for children. “I feel profound awe at the privilege of bringing life into the world,” she stated, emphasizing her responsibility to advocate for children’s health.

The upcoming confirmation hearing will be pivotal in determining whether Dr. Means will assume the role of Surgeon General, a position that carries significant influence over public health policy in the United States. Her focus on prevention and holistic health could signal a shift in priorities within the Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for his controversial views on traditional medicine and chronic disease management.

As this confirmation process unfolds, it will be essential to consider the implications of Means’ leadership style and priorities in shaping the nation’s healthcare landscape.