Casey Means, a 38-year-old entrepreneur and health products advocate, is poised to become the next surgeon general of the United States. Her nomination has sparked controversy over her medical credentials and financial ties to companies promoting healthy living products.
Means, who has over 850,000 followers on Instagram, has built a reputation as a best-selling author and influencer in the health and wellness space. She defines “good energy” as optimizing metabolic health through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. Her book, “Good Energy,” promotes a holistic approach to health that has drawn both praise and criticism from medical experts.
Several medical experts have expressed concerns that Means may use her platform as surgeon general to amplify policy recommendations that are not grounded in scientific evidence. Some have also criticized her financial ties to companies promoting healthy living products, which they say may be misleading or deceptive.
The Department of Health and Human Services has defended Means, calling her a “world-class physician and scientist” with a deep understanding of modern metabolic health. However, critics argue that her lack of traditional medical training and experience raise questions about her qualifications for the role.
Means’s supporters argue that she brings a unique perspective to the role, having built a successful career as a health products entrepreneur and advocate. They also point out that she has been an effective communicator and advocate for her views on healthy living and wellness.
The nomination process is expected to be completed in the coming months, with Trump selecting Means in May. Her confirmation would mark a significant shift in the surgeon general’s role, pushing aside traditional medical expertise and favoring a more holistic approach to health.
Means has a medical license in Oregon that she voluntarily placed on inactive status, meaning she cannot practice medicine in the state. She also holds no other licenses, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards.
As surgeon general, Means would be charged with speaking to the American public about health issues and issuing reports on the latest medical research. Her supporters argue that she has a deep understanding of modern metabolic health and is committed to evidence-based care. However, critics raise concerns that her views may not be grounded in scientific evidence, potentially putting public health at risk.
The nomination of Casey Means as US surgeon general highlights the ongoing debate over the role of alternative approaches to medicine in mainstream healthcare. While some see her as a breath of fresh air, others worry about the implications for public health policy and the potential for misinformation.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/10/09/casey-means-surgeon-general-nominee