President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means as the new U.S. Surgeon General, following the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat’s nomination. Dr. Means, a physician and wellness advocate, is known for co-founding Levels, a health tech company focused on continuous glucose monitoring to improve dietary choices.
At 37 years old, Dr. Means has been a strong supporter of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, which promotes addressing chronic diseases through nutrition and lifestyle changes. She is aligned with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and is an outspoken critic of the medical establishment. Dr. Means left her surgical residency to pursue a career in functional medicine, and her medical license has been inactive since 2024.
Her views have drawn criticism, particularly her skepticism about vaccine safety, though she has distanced herself from anti-vaccine rhetoric. If confirmed, Dr. Means will lead public health efforts and help implement the MAHA agenda, which emphasizes alternative health solutions and lifestyle interventions.
Dr. Means’ nomination marks a notable shift in the U.S. approach to public health leadership, focusing on lifestyle-based interventions over traditional medical practices.
