President Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, Casey Means, has sparked controversy over her medical background and qualifications. The delay in her confirmation hearing was caused by a family emergency as she went into labor with her first child. Critics point to her limited experience as a surgical resident at the Mayo Clinic and her work as a pediatrician-turned-business owner, questioning her ability to effectively lead the nation’s health agency.
As a surgeon practicing general surgery in Phoenix, Jeffrey A. Singer, notes that Trump’s pick of Casey Means is a reminder of the “waste and overreach” of the Office of the Surgeon General. The nominee’s focus on preventive medicine and reducing medical errors may not align with the values of some in the medical community.
Singer also questions the relevance of Means’ experience as a pediatrician-turned-business owner, stating that her expertise lies more in “business management rather than clinical practice.” This lack of clarity over her qualifications raises concerns about her ability to provide effective leadership and guidance for the nation’s health agency.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/11/03/casey-means-surgeon-general-nominee