Casey Means’ Troubled Path to Becoming U.S. Surgeon General
The United States has been operating with an acting or “performing the duties of” Surgeon General since January 20th, 2025. The last Senate-confirmed Surgeon General was Dr. Vivek Murthy. The current nominee, Dr. Casey Means, put forward by the Trump/Kennedy team, faces significant hurdles as her confirmation process has stalled since May of last year. Opposition stems largely from her profession as a “wellness influencer,” her incomplete medical residency, and lack of a current medical license in any state.
Confirmation Hearing Concerns
Dr. Means recently appeared before the Senate for her confirmation hearing, which reportedly did not go well. Several Republican senators have publicly expressed doubts about her qualifications, including Bill Cassidy.
Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) all expressed concern in a confirmation hearing last month about her potential role and appear to remain doubtful. Just one of those senators may be enough to block her nomination from advancing beyond the Senate Health Committee.
Afterward, Senators Collins and Murkowski both said they still had questions. Murkowski also said she had “strong reservations” about Means’ nomination and that, as of last week, that opinion hadn’t changed, according to the Post.
Questions About Qualifications and Views
During the hearing, Means largely avoided direct answers regarding vaccines, leaving senators uncertain about her stance on the issue. Concerns were also raised about her qualifications, as she is not currently a practicing physician. Her career as a wellness influencer has involved promoting views aligning with those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Regarding diet and exercise as primary health solutions, alongside the promotion of various supplements and wellness products.
Controversial Practices and Beliefs
Further scrutiny has focused on aspects of Means’ personal beliefs and practices. A book co-authored with her brother, titled Good Energy, includes a chapter titled “Trust Yourself, Not Your Doctor.” She has also faced criticism for writing about her use of psychedelic mushrooms, consultations with a “spiritual medium,” and participation in “full moon ceremonies.”
Potential Political Implications
The situation highlights a potential consequence of statements made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During his own confirmation hearings as Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he made assurances regarding his approach to vaccine policy. Unless Senator Cassidy is willing to support Means’ nomination, it is unlikely to proceed, potentially representing a repeat of previous disagreements.
Background on Dr. Casey Means
Dr. Casey Means received her bachelor’s degree in human biology and her medical degree from Stanford University. She began a residency in otolaryngology at Oregon Health and Science University but left before completing the five-year program. Her medical license is currently listed as inactive. Healthbeat reviewed the backgrounds of past Surgeons General and found that all completed their medical residencies.
Means has stated she resigned her residency to focus on reforming the American healthcare system. However, the chairman of the otolaryngology department where she trained told Vanity Fair she left due to the fact that she found surgical work “too stressful.”
Financial Conflicts of Interest
Dr. Means has also faced scrutiny regarding potential financial conflicts of interest. A review by the Associated Press found she has promoted health and wellness products, including supplements and meal delivery services, without consistently disclosing potential financial benefits or investments in those companies.