Meet Dr. Mehmet Oz: From TV to Politics and Now, Medicare Chief?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a well-known TV personality and health expert, was chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This agency covers over a third of Americans and plays a big role in our healthcare system. Let's dive into the life and career of this celebrity doctor. Born in Ohio to a Turkish heart surgeon, Oz followed in his father's footsteps. He studied at Harvard and even served in the Turkish army. He rose to fame on Oprah Winfrey's show and later got his own series, "The Dr. Oz Show, " which ran for 13 years. Despite stopping surgeries in 2018, he still holds an active physician license in Pennsylvania. Oz has been a best-selling author, Emmy winner, and even a guest host on "Jeopardy! ". He's also known for promoting various health products, some of which have been criticized. He faced lawsuits for misleading claims and was linked to companies with questionable practices. In 2022, Oz tried his hand at politics, running for U. S. Senate in Pennsylvania. He highlighted his celebrity status and TV doctor image in his campaign. Though he lost the general election, he had Trump's support. The two have known each other since 2004, with Trump appointing Oz to a sports and fitness council during his presidency. If confirmed by the Senate, Oz would oversee Medicare, Medicaid, and other major healthcare programs. CMS has a massive budget and sets important standards for healthcare providers. It's a big job for someone who's spent more time in the spotlight than in politics.