President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means, a prominent figure in the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, to replace Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as U.S. Surgeon General. This nomination has raised eyebrows across the nation, given Dr. Means’ unorthodox medical career, her shift from a surgical path to functional medicine, and her vocal stance on controversial health topics. The appointment has garnered attention not only for her medical background but also for her alignment with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda, which focuses on addressing the chronic disease epidemic and promoting a healthier food supply.
Dr. Means, a former surgeon turned wellness influencer, has a medical background that includes a Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Stanford School of Medicine. Her medical journey, however, took a significant turn when she left her surgical residency at Oregon Health and Science University during her fifth year. Dr. Means cited her disillusionment with the healthcare system, which she described as “broken and exploitative.” Instead of pursuing surgery, she shifted her focus to functional medicine—a branch of healthcare that emphasizes prevention and treating the root causes of disease rather than merely managing symptoms.
This transition from surgery to functional medicine is central to Dr. Means’ health philosophy, which she has shared with a growing audience through various platforms. As a proponent of preventative care, she has gained significant popularity for her views on chronic disease, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions. She is particularly well-known for co-founding Levels, an app that helps individuals track their food intake and monitor biomarkers such as sleep and glucose levels to assess their overall health.
Dr. Means’ rise to prominence came alongside her brother, Calley Means, with whom she co-authored the book Good Energy, published in May 2024. The book explores why Americans are suffering from widespread chronic illness and how this issue can be addressed through better lifestyle choices and a focus on preventive healthcare. The Means siblings, particularly Casey, have made numerous appearances on influential media platforms like The Tucker Carlson Show and The Joe Rogan Experience. These platforms have allowed Dr. Means to present her controversial views on various health topics, including her opposition to ultra-processed foods, her criticism of birth control prescriptions, and her skepticism toward the use of Ozempic, a popular weight-loss drug.
Dr. Means’ views on the healthcare system align closely with those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom President Trump nominated for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services. Both have been vocal critics of the traditional healthcare model and its reliance on pharmaceutical interventions. Dr. Means and Kennedy have shared concerns about the rising rates of chronic disease in the U.S., particularly obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and have called for a transformation in how Americans approach health and wellness.
One of the most controversial aspects of Dr. Means’ public persona is her stance on childhood vaccines. She has raised concerns about the safety of the CDC’s vaccination schedule, particularly regarding the cumulative effects of vaccines and the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine to infants. These views have put her at odds with the scientific consensus, which strongly supports the safety and efficacy of vaccines. There is currently no evidence to suggest that childhood vaccines or the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule pose any significant risks. Nonetheless, Dr. Means has advocated for more research on the topic, suggesting that the current vaccine schedule may be contributing to health declines in vulnerable children.
Dr. Means’ outspoken criticism of vaccines has raised alarms among public health experts, especially as the U.S. continues to combat the spread of diseases such as COVID-19 and measles. Despite this, Dr. Means has remained steadfast in her position, asserting that the total burden of the vaccine schedule needs further investigation. Her views on vaccines have sparked significant debate, with some applauding her willingness to challenge established norms, while others express concern about the potential impact on public trust in vaccines.
In addition to her views on vaccines, Dr. Means has also become known for her stance on food and nutrition. She has criticized the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods and advocated for a diet focused on organic, regenerative foods. She has called for reforms to school lunch programs, suggesting that children’s meals should consist of organic, whole foods rather than processed items that contribute to poor health. Dr. Means has also been critical of the food industry’s role in perpetuating unhealthy dietary habits, particularly the use of artificial additives and preservatives in food products.
While Dr. Means’ appointment as U.S. Surgeon General is not without controversy, it also signals a shift in how the U.S. government may approach public health in the coming years. As a former surgeon who now champions functional medicine and preventative care, Dr. Means could potentially lead a movement towards a more holistic approach to health, one that focuses on lifestyle interventions, diet, and mental well-being. Her nomination represents a departure from the traditional medical establishment and could signal a growing acceptance of alternative healthcare models within the mainstream.
The support for Dr. Means’ nomination also reflects a broader movement within the healthcare industry that is gaining momentum. As Americans continue to struggle with rising rates of chronic illness and an overburdened healthcare system, there is an increasing demand for new approaches to healthcare that prioritize prevention, patient empowerment, and personalized care. Dr. Means’ advocacy for functional medicine and her focus on root causes rather than symptoms could help shift the paradigm towards a more preventative, patient-centered model of care.
While Dr. Means’ appointment is still pending confirmation, her work in the wellness space has already made a significant impact on the national conversation about health. Her efforts to educate the public about the importance of lifestyle choices, nutrition, and self-care have resonated with many individuals who are frustrated with the current state of the healthcare system. Dr. Means’ appointment as Surgeon General could give her a platform to amplify her message and push for policies that prioritize prevention and holistic care.
Despite her controversial views, Dr. Means has earned a significant following, particularly among those who feel that the traditional healthcare system is not meeting their needs. As the U.S. faces ongoing challenges related to chronic disease, healthcare accessibility, and public health, Dr. Means’ appointment could signal a new direction in how the nation addresses these issues.
In conclusion, Dr. Casey Means’ nomination as U.S. Surgeon General has sparked widespread debate due to her unconventional views on vaccines, nutrition, and the healthcare system. While her stance on certain issues has garnered criticism, it has also sparked important conversations about the future of healthcare in the U.S. Her appointment, if confirmed, could signal a significant shift towards a more holistic, patient-centered approach to health. Whether or not Dr. Means is ultimately confirmed, her work has already contributed to the growing movement for a healthier, more preventative approach to healthcare in the U.S.
