President Donald Trump has withdrawn surgeon general nominee Janette Nesheiwat, MD, turning to Casey Means, MD, as his new nominee for the position.
Here are five things to know:
1. Dr. Means is a technology entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author, according to her website. She received her bachelor’s degree and medical training from Stanford (Calif.) University and Palo Alto, Calif.-based Stanford University School of Medicine, respectively.
2. “Casey has impeccable [Make America Health Again] credentials, and will work closely with our wonderful secretary of health and human services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to ensure a successful implementation of our agenda in order to reverse the chronic disease epidemic, and ensure great health, in the future, for all Americans,” President Trump said in a May 7 Truth Social post.
3. President Trump had nominated Dr. Nesheiwat, a double board-certified physician, in late November.
4. Dr. Nesheiwat’s confirmation hearing was scheduled for May 8 before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee; however, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders confirmed to CBS News on May 7 that her nomination had been withdrawn.
5. While it is unclear why Dr. Nesheiwat’s nomination was pulled, some Republicans have criticized her COVID-19 vaccine advocacy and accused her of supporting “DEI-focused initiatives,” according to CBS News. She also faced scrutiny in April over her qualifications for the position, including details over her medical training.
