Surgeon General Nominee Casey Means Pledges Focus on Prevention

Dr. Casey Means, nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the United States Surgeon General, has committed to prioritizing “healing and prevention” over “overmedicalization” in her approach to public health. Her remarks were shared in prepared testimony ahead of her confirmation hearing, scheduled for later this week.

In her testimony, Means expressed her dedication to “put Americans back on the road toward wholeness and health.” If confirmed, she would become one of the last major health nominees to undergo a Senate hearing and confirmation vote. This follows the withdrawal of Trump’s initial nominee for the position, former Fox News contributor Janette Nesheiwat, a day before her hearing in May. Means was subsequently announced as the new nominee via a social media post by Trump, who praised her qualifications, saying, “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeons Generals in United States history.”

Means’ confirmation hearing will be overseen by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s leadership has been characterized by a focus on addressing chronic diseases and a critical stance towards traditional medical practices. Means has also faced scrutiny regarding her unconventional medical background.

After graduating from Stanford Medical School, Means began a surgical residency at Oregon Health and Science University but left before completion, citing disillusionment with surgical practices. This decision has raised concerns about her credentials to lead health initiatives at a national level. Although she has treated patients and performed surgeries during her residency, her withdrawal means she is ineligible for board certification, which limits her ability to practice medicine in clinical settings. Currently, her medical license is listed as inactive.

In a bid to address potential conflicts of interest, Means has pledged to resign from her advisory role at Levels Health, Inc., a wellness company that offers subscriptions for health monitoring services, ranging in price from $288 to $1,499 annually. She also committed to ceasing her work as an influencer promoting wellness products and will divest from stocks in various companies, including the Altria Group, known for manufacturing Marlboro cigarettes. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services indicated that the Altria stock was purchased before Means and her husband married.

In her prepared remarks, Means highlighted the importance of encouraging Americans to participate in a “great national healing,” emphasizing that healthy choices should be made easier and more accessible. “Good policy and education can make health easier, more affordable, and more accessible,” she stated.

Means also mentioned a personal dimension to her testimony, noting that she is currently more than 40 weeks pregnant with her first child, which will prevent her from attending the confirmation hearing in person. She expressed her commitment to fostering a healthier future for children, stating, “As I stand on the threshold of motherhood, I feel profound awe at the privilege of bringing life into the world.”

As the confirmation process unfolds, the attention on Means reflects broader discussions about health policy and the direction of public health initiatives in the United States. Her focus on prevention and wellness could shape future strategies aimed at addressing significant health challenges facing the nation.