Who Is Dr. Casey Means? Why Did Trump Chose Her?
In a stunning political twist, Dr. Casey Means, a 37-year-old wellness influencer, entrepreneur, and bestselling author, has been named the new U.S. Surgeon General by President Donald Trump.
This decision came after Trump rescinded the nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, making Means one of the most unconventional and modern picks for the nation’s top public health role.
Who Is Dr. Casey Means?
If you’re wondering who she is, you’re not alone. But her resume is anything but ordinary.
Dr. Casey Means is the co-founder of Levels Health, a cutting-edge health tech company valued at $300 million in 2024. She’s also the co-author of the bestselling book Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health, written with her brother Calley Means.
Her background is a mix of traditional medical training and modern wellness. She holds a BA and MD from Stanford University, and she completed additional training with the Institute for Functional Medicine. Over the years, she has held research positions at Stanford, the NIH, NYU, and OHSU.
Why Did Trump Choose Her?
According to Trump, Means will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now Secretary of Health and Human Services, as part of an effort to reverse chronic disease across the country.
Trump posted on Truth Social:
“Means 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.”
The move is seen as part of Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” push, which is gaining steam among supporters of lifestyle-focused health care solutions.
What Does a Surgeon General Do Anyway?
The U.S. Surgeon General is the government’s leading voice on public health. While the role doesn’t come with the power to make laws, it has tremendous influence.
The Surgeon General provides science-based health information to the public, guides health policy, and oversees the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps — a team of uniformed professionals that responds to health crises like pandemics and natural disasters.
From disease prevention to mental health to substance abuse, the Surgeon General is often the face of the nation’s most urgent health conversations.
Where Did Dr. Casey Means Come From?
Dr. Means was born to Grady and Gayle Means and raised in a family that valued science, health, and public service. Her brother, Calley Means, studied political science and economics at Stanford and later earned an MBA from Harvard. He’s played a big role in shaping her public health vision and co-founded multiple ventures with her.
Dr. Means credits much of her platform to Calley introducing her to the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. Together, they’ve worked to make health education accessible, and their bestselling book reflects that mission.
What Sets Her Apart From Other Surgeon Generals?
Dr. Casey Means brings a new kind of energy to the job. She’s not just a physician, but a voice for metabolic health, functional medicine, and preventive care. She’s been a guest on shows like The Joe Rogan Experience and The Tucker Carlson Show, where she’s openly discussed topics often overlooked by mainstream medicine.
She also serves as Associate Editor for the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, showing her dedication to evidence-based wellness solutions.
And let’s be real — it’s not often you see someone go from podcast guest to top health official.
What Is Dr. Casey Means’ Net Worth?
Thanks to her booming health tech business, book sales, and media presence, Dr. Means’ estimated net worth is in the millions. Her company, Levels Health, hit a $300 million valuation in 2024, and her book Good Energy climbed the charts quickly after release.
Her wealth, however, isn’t just financial. She brings a wealth of experience in science, health communication, and forward-thinking strategies that aim to shake up how America thinks about health.
Can a Wellness Influencer Handle the Nation’s Top Health Job?
That’s the big question. Critics are already raising eyebrows, especially given her functional medicine background, which isn’t always embraced by traditional medical institutions.
But supporters argue that her fresh approach, tech-savvy mindset, and focus on root causes of illness could be exactly what the country needs as it faces rising rates of chronic disease, obesity, and mental health issues.
It’s a bold appointment, no doubt. But Dr. Casey Means is walking into the spotlight with confidence, credentials, and a clear mission.
A New Era for Public Health?
Dr. Casey Means represents something different in American healthcare — someone who blends science with innovation, medicine with lifestyle, and clinical experience with entrepreneurial energy.
Whether you see her as a disruptor or a healer, she’s about to play a major role in shaping how millions of Americans think about their health.
We’re entering a new chapter, and Dr. Means is at the center of it.
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