Casey Means, Critic of Mainstream Medicine, May Become Surgeon General

Dr. Casey Means will appear before a Senate committee Wednesday after being nominated by President Trump to be surgeon general; she has criticized conventional medicine and does not currently hold an active clinical license.

Dr. Casey Means will appear before a Senate committee Wednesday to make her case for confirmation as the next surgeon general after being nominated by President Trump. The role would make her a prominent public voice on health matters. Dr. Means trained at Stanford and worked as a biomedical researcher before building a public profile as a wellness influencer and entrepreneur. She has been a vocal critic of conventional medical practice and does not hold an active clinical license. Known details: - President Trump nominated Dr. Means for surgeon general; she will appear before a Senate committee on Wednesday to seek confirmation. - She graduated from the Stanford School of Medicine and has worked as a biomedical researcher. - She left a surgical residency in 2018 and allowed her medical license to become inactive in 2024. - She has promoted lifestyle-focused health approaches, expressed skepticism about some vaccines, and at times repeated a claim linking vaccines to autism that has been debunked. - She co-founded the company Levels, has promoted supplements and wellness products in her newsletter, and has said she would divest from her wellness interests. - Supporters highlight her focus on chronic disease and lifestyle drivers; critics and some former public health officials have raised concerns about her clinical credentials and the potential effect on public confidence in medical expertise. Summary: The surgeon general post carries influence over public health messaging though it does not itself set or enforce policy. The Senate hearing on Wednesday is the immediate procedural step, and the Senate is expected to confirm Dr. Means. Observers have noted questions about her training and prior statements and how those issues could affect public trust in official health guidance.