The Unlikely Path to Surgeon General

The White House has a new candidate for the role of surgeon general. Dr. Casey Means is the chosen one. She is known for her work in wellness and her close ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This change comes after the withdrawal of Janette Nesheiwat, who was Trump's first pick for the job. Trump has high hopes for Means. He believes she can make a significant impact on the health of Americans. He praised her academic background and her dedication to improving public health. The decision to withdraw Nesheiwat's nomination was not unexpected. She had faced criticism from various quarters. One of her critics was Laura Loomer, a far-right ally of Trump. Loomer had raised questions about Nesheiwat's medical background and her stance on COVID-19 vaccines. Another issue was a medical malpractice case involving Nesheiwat. These controversies likely played a role in her withdrawal. Dr. Casey Means has an interesting background. She trained as a surgeon at Stanford University. However, she left her surgical residency program. She became disillusioned with traditional medicine. Instead, she founded a health tech company called Levels. This company helps users track their blood sugar and other health metrics. Means also promotes natural foods and lifestyle changes. She believes these can reverse obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Means and her brother, Calley Means, have a unique perspective on health. They blame a mix of factors for the nation's health problems. These include corrupt food conglomerates and the pharmaceutical industry. They argue that these entities have hooked Americans on unhealthy diets and medications. Means goes further, linking changes in diet and lifestyle to a range of conditions. These include infertility, Alzheimer's, depression, and erectile dysfunction. Food experts have a different view. They say it's too simple to blame all processed foods for health problems. Gabby Headrick, a nutrition researcher, agrees that the American diet contributes to obesity. However, she argues that the situation is more complex. Not all processed foods are equally harmful. The designation covers a wide range of products, from granola to potato chips. Means has mostly avoided Kennedy's controversial views on vaccines. However, she has called for more investigation into their safety. She also supports making it easier for patients to sue drugmakers. This is a significant shift from the current legal landscape. Since the late 1980s, federal law has shielded drugmakers from legal liability. This encourages vaccine development without the threat of costly lawsuits. If confirmed, Means would help promote Kennedy's MAHA agenda. This plan calls for removing thousands of additives and chemicals from U. S. foods. It also aims to root out conflicts of interest at federal agencies. Additionally, it seeks to incentivize healthier foods in school lunches and other nutrition programs. The surgeon general plays a crucial role in public health. This person oversees 6, 000 U. S. Public Health Service Corps members. They can issue advisories warning of public health threats. The position requires someone with a strong vision and the ability to navigate complex health issues. It remains to be seen how Means will handle these responsibilities if confirmed.