Key Highlights to Expect in Casey Means’ Surgeon General Confirmation Hearing
Dr. Casey Means is under consideration for the role of Surgeon General in the United States. This nomination has generated significant attention due to her unconventional background and views.
Background of Dr. Casey Means
Casey Means, 38, is a wellness influencer, entrepreneur, and author. She previously coauthored the bestselling book “Good Energy” with her brother, Calley Means, who is a special government employee and advisor to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Dr. Means did not complete her surgical residency and currently holds an inactive medical license. She advocates for continuous glucose monitors through her company, delving into functional medicine that focuses on root causes of health issues.
Role of the Surgeon General
The Surgeon General serves as the nation’s top doctor and leads over 6,000 members of the U.S. Public Health Service. This role is integral to providing health information and advisories to the public and works under the Department of Health and Human Services.
Confirmation Hearing Details
The confirmation hearing for Dr. Means will be held remotely by the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. It has been more than five months since her nomination was announced, indicating a prolonged evaluation process.
Key Points Anticipated During the Hearing
- Senators are expected to question Means regarding her qualifications and potential conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Means has pledged to resign from her glucose monitor company if confirmed, and disclose financial ties to the supplement industry.
Public Response and Opposition
Dr. Means’s nomination has met with notable opposition. Critics point out her lack of traditional experience required for the Surgeon General role. Concerns have been raised regarding her views on childhood vaccinations and hormonal birth control.
Dr. Jerome Adams, a former Surgeon General, emphasized that confirming Means would set a concerning precedent. He argued that leaders in public health should be fully trained professionals with a strong clinical background.
Even some supporters of her affiliated movement, Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), have expressed worry that she may not effectively represent their priorities.
Conclusion
The Senate’s decision on Dr. Casey Means’s nomination will significantly impact public health leadership in the U.S. Should she be confirmed, it could represent a turning point in the direction of the Surgeon General’s office.
