There’s a growing debate over President Donald Trump’s unexpected pick for the new U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Casey Means.
The appointment has raised significant concerns due to Dr. Means’ controversial views on public health issues like vaccines and autism, as well as her qualifications.
Critics are questioning her lack of a medical license and her non-traditional approach to medicine, while some health experts argue that her stance could undermine trust in public health.
Trump Replaces Surgeon General Nominee Amid Growing Concerns
On Wednesday, President Trump announced that he had replaced Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, his original nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, with Dr. Casey Means.
A Stanford-trained physician, Dr. Means is known for her unconventional views, especially her alignment with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on controversial topics.
One of the most debated positions she holds is the belief that autism might be linked to childhood vaccines, a viewpoint that has long been discredited by mainstream science.
This stance, shared in a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, has sparked alarm among many in the medical community.
Dr. Casey Means Faces Criticism for Lack of Medical Training
Experts have voiced strong opinions on Dr. Means’ qualifications for the role of U.S. Surgeon General. Critics point out that she is one of the few surgeons general nominees without an active medical license and is the only one to have not completed her full medical training.
Dr. Means trained as an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) at the University of Oregon but dropped out during her final year of residency.
Although some doctors who do not complete residency can still practice medicine in certain states, Dr. Means currently holds no active medical license and has claimed to focus on alternative medicine practices like functional and “root-cause resolution” medicine.
Concerns Over Dr. Means’ Views on Vaccines and Public Health
Dr. Means has faced intense scrutiny for her comments on vaccines.
While she hasn’t explicitly blamed any single vaccine, she has questioned the safety of childhood immunizations, especially in light of the increasing number of vaccines children receive.
During her appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Dr. Means suggested that the numerous vaccines given to children before 18 months could be contributing to autism.
These remarks have sparked widespread concern among medical professionals, who emphasize that vaccines are safe and essential for public health.
Dr. Michael Aziz, an attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, stated that the medical community has rejected any link between vaccines and autism, calling Dr. Means’ views potentially dangerous.
Wellness Entrepreneurship and the Surgeon General Role
In addition to her controversial stance on vaccines, Dr. Means has built a career as a wellness entrepreneur, promoting alternative health practices such as meditation, energy healing, and biohacking tools like continuous glucose monitors for people who are not diabetic.
Critics argue that her focus on wellness over clinical medicine undermines the credibility of the Surgeon General’s office.
Dr. Barbara Sparacino, an adult and geriatric psychiatrist in Florida, voiced concern that Dr. Means’ platform, which promotes expensive wellness products, does not align with public health messaging.
Instead of focusing on accessible, evidence-based solutions, Dr. Means’ platform risks promoting health trends that are inaccessible to the average American.
Support for Dr. Means’ Advocacy on Food and Health Issues
Despite the criticism, Dr. Means has received praise for drawing attention to pressing health issues, particularly the dangers of ultraprocessed foods.
These foods, which make up a significant portion of the American diet, are linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Means has been vocal about the need for healthier food options in schools and the importance of removing harmful additives from the food supply.
She has also expressed concerns about the health implications of food additives and artificial dyes.
Dr. Michael Ednie, a medical director in Florida, acknowledged that Dr. Means has helped raise awareness about the harmful effects of ultraprocessed foods, a conversation that could benefit public health efforts in the U.S.
A Divided Opinion on Dr. Means’ Potential Appointment
While some health experts support Dr. Means’ efforts to raise awareness about the health risks associated with ultraprocessed foods, others argue that her controversial views on vaccines and alternative medicine could pose a serious threat to public health.
Dr. Tyler B. Evans, CEO of Wellness and Equity Alliance, expressed concerns that appointing a Surgeon General without a medical license would undermine the progress made by generations of public health experts.
He emphasized the need for leadership grounded in science and experience, particularly as the U.S. faces ongoing health challenges, including pandemics and chronic disease.
Mixed Reactions to Dr. Means’ Nomination
Dr. Means’ nomination has sparked mixed reactions.
A White House spokesperson defended the appointment, describing Dr. Means as having the ideal balance of credentials without being “beholden to a corrupt healthcare system.”
The spokesperson argued that Dr. Means’ approach to health, which includes challenging the status quo and advocating for healthier lifestyles, would be an asset in the role of Surgeon General.
However, her critics remain skeptical, pointing out that her controversial views and lack of clinical experience could further erode trust in public health institutions.
The Future of Public Health Leadership in America
As the debate over Dr. Means’ nomination continues, it raises important questions about the future of public health leadership in America.
With the country facing ongoing health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising rates of chronic disease, the Surgeon General plays a crucial role in guiding public health policy and providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.
Critics argue that Dr. Means’ unorthodox views could undermine the credibility of the office, while supporters believe her unconventional approach could bring much-needed change to a broken healthcare system.
The Role of the Surgeon General in Shaping Public Health
The U.S. Surgeon General is expected to act as a leading spokesperson on public health issues, advising the president and the Department of Health and Human Services on matters such as disease outbreaks, vaccine policy, and mental health.
With the increasing politicization of public health, the selection of the next Surgeon General is more important than ever.
As the country grapples with significant health challenges, the need for leadership that prioritizes science, evidence-based solutions, and the public’s trust is crucial.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Dr. Means and Public Health?
As President Trump’s nomination of Dr. Casey Means moves forward, the public and medical community remain divided.
With questions surrounding her qualifications, views on vaccines, and wellness practices, it’s clear that her appointment will have far-reaching implications for public health policy in the United States.
Whether Dr. Means’ unconventional approach will prove to be a revolutionary force in health or a step back for evidence-based medicine remains to be seen.