President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means, a 37-year-old holistic medicine doctor and wellness influencer from Los Angeles, to be the U.S. Surgeon General. Known for her unconventional views on health, Means is a former surgeon and Stanford graduate who now advocates for alternative health solutions. Her nomination reflects Trump’s continued effort to challenge the establishment in favor of a more personalized, holistic approach to medicine.
A New Direction in Public Health
Dr. Casey Means’ appointment signals a potential shift away from conventional medical practices. As a Stanford Medical School graduate, Means initially trained to be a surgeon but dropped out of her residency due to disillusionment with the healthcare system. Instead, she now champions metabolic health, focusing on lifestyle changes and food to combat chronic diseases. Through Levels Health, a company she co-founded, Means emphasizes the importance of metabolic health, claiming that changing one’s lifestyle is key to preventing and even reversing chronic conditions.
Controversial Stance on Vaccines
One aspect of Means’ health philosophy that has raised significant debate is her stance on vaccines. In recent years, she has spoken out against the CDC’s guidelines, particularly the hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for newborns. She has argued that mandates, like the hepatitis B vaccine for infants without risk factors, are unnecessary. On social media, she has expressed concerns about vaccine mandates, which has sparked controversy, especially in light of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views on vaccination.
Support and Skepticism from Peers
While some people support Means’ approach to public health, others are more skeptical. Dr. Robert Lustig, a professor emeritus at UC San Francisco and a friend of Means, expressed surprise when he heard of her acceptance of the Surgeon General nomination. Lustig pointed out that Means had previously distanced herself from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. due to his controversial views on vaccines, yet her decision to work with him now raises questions. Despite this, Lustig believes Means’ expertise in metabolic health could bring much-needed change to the U.S. healthcare system, which he argues often overlooks lifestyle changes in favor of medications.
Lustig is a strong proponent of focusing on food and lifestyle to combat chronic diseases. He asserts that many of these diseases are rooted in mitochondrial dysfunction, and that food—not drugs—holds the key to improving health. Means, with her understanding of nutrition’s role in health, could bring a unique perspective to the Surgeon General’s office.
The Shift Toward Holistic Health
Means’ career trajectory reflects a growing trend in holistic health and wellness. Raised in Washington, D.C., Means initially pursued a career in surgery. However, after years of training and growing frustrated with the limitations of the medical system, she transitioned to advocating for preventive health measures like diet and stress management. She co-founded Levels Health in 2019, a company that offers continuous glucose monitoring to help people optimize their metabolic health.
Her departure from conventional medicine was further cemented by personal experiences, including her mother’s untimely death from pancreatic cancer. This tragedy strengthened Means’ resolve to focus on proactive health solutions that don’t rely on the traditional healthcare system, which she believes often fails to address the root causes of chronic conditions.
Family Tragedy and Personal Motivation
The death of Means’ mother from pancreatic cancer profoundly influenced her shift toward holistic health. Despite presenting symptoms of metabolic syndrome, her mother’s condition was overlooked by doctors. This experience deepened Means’ skepticism of traditional medical practices and reinforced her commitment to raising awareness about metabolic health. Her personal journey has driven her to focus on the importance of early detection, preventative care, and lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Public Recognition and Influence
In recent years, Means has gained recognition in the wellness and conservative communities. Her work with Levels Health has propelled her into the spotlight, and she has appeared on various podcasts, including Tucker Carlson’s show. In these forums, she has criticized the pharmaceutical industry, accusing it of profiting from chronic disease rather than preventing it. Her views have attracted attention, particularly from those disillusioned with the mainstream healthcare system, and she has become a vocal advocate for a healthier, more natural approach to wellness.
At events like the “Make America Healthy Again” rallies, Means has emphasized the need to reform the American healthcare system by focusing on prevention and nutrition. She has also spoken at Senate roundtables, raising concerns about the impact of ultra-processed foods on public health. Her message is gaining traction, particularly among those frustrated with the current system.
The Road Ahead for Dr. Casey Means
Dr. Means’ nomination as Surgeon General has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters believe she could bring fresh ideas to the office, particularly when it comes to addressing the chronic disease epidemic. Critics, however, remain wary of her unorthodox views, especially on issues like vaccines. If confirmed, Means will face the challenge of balancing her alternative health philosophy with the demands of the role. The Surgeon General is tasked with providing Americans with the best health advice, and Means’ approach could significantly alter how the country tackles public health issues.
