President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is nominating radiologist and former Fox News Channel contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier for U.S. Surgeon general. This decision follows the withdrawal of Dr. Casey Means, whose nomination had stalled in the Senate.
A New Direction for the Nation’s Doctor
Dr. Saphier currently serves as a radiologist and the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth. President Trump described her as a “STAR physician” who has dedicated her career to guiding women through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
According to her professional profile, Saphier holds a doctor of medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados. She also completed fellowships at the Mayo Clinic.
The Collapse of the Means Nomination
Dr. Casey Means, a 38-year-old Stanford-educated physician, was originally nominated last May as a close ally of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She promoted ideas central to the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, focusing on diet and lifestyle changes to combat chronic disease.
Still, her path to confirmation was hindered by concerns over her experience and potential conflicts of interest. Specifically, lawmakers noted that Means did not finish her surgical residency program and does not currently hold an active medical license.
Tensions peaked during her February confirmation hearing, where senators questioned her stance on vaccines. Means faced scrutiny for social media posts in 2024 calling the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine “absolute insanity” for newborns whose parents do not have the virus.
Political Friction and Internal Conflict
The withdrawal has sparked public disputes within the administration and the GOP. President Trump criticized Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana for “intransigence and political games,” claiming the senator stood in the way of the nomination.
Calley Means, a health adviser to the administration and brother of the former nominee, also blamed Senator Cassidy. In a social media post, he claimed that Cassidy’s “constant delay tactics” were responsible for sinking the nomination.
Differing Medical Perspectives
Despite her nomination, Dr. Saphier has previously diverged from President Trump’s public medical advice. Last year, Trump advised pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, citing ties between the medication and autism.
Saphier responded by noting that while acetaminophen should be used under medical supervision at the lowest dose, untreated fever or severe pain can also pose serious risks. She described the President’s delivery of the advice as “patronizing” and “simplistic.”
As a possible next step, Dr. Saphier will likely face her own set of Senate hearings, where lawmakers may examine both her medical record and her previous disagreements with the administration’s messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Nicole Saphier?
Dr. Nicole Saphier is a radiologist and the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth. She is a former Fox News Channel contributor and holds a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine.
Why was Dr. Casey Means’ nomination withdrawn?
Her nomination stalled due to questions regarding her lack of an active medical license, her failure to complete a surgical residency and her controversial views on the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.
What was the conflict between Dr. Saphier and President Trump?
Dr. Saphier disagreed with the way President Trump advised pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, arguing that his messaging was simplistic and failed to mention the risks associated with untreated fever or severe pain.
Do you believe a surgeon general should prioritize traditional medical credentials or alignment with a specific health movement?
