Casey Means is no longer the nominee for U.S. Surgeon General. On May 7, 2025, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would nominate her to serve as the nation’s top public health official, writing, “I am pleased to announce that Dr. Casey Means will be nominated as our next Surgeon General of the United States of America.” He praised her “MAHA” credentials and said she would work closely with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address chronic disease in America.
However, in April 2026, Trump nominated Dr. Nicole Saphier, replacing Casey as the nominee. Learn more about who she is below.
Casey Means Is a Stanford University Alum
Casey, born Paula Casey Means on September 24, 1987, is a Stanford University alumna. Although she has spent time in the medical field, she is not a practicing physician.
She noted on her website, “During my training as a surgeon, I saw how broken and exploitative the healthcare system is and left surgery to focus on how to keep people out of the operating room. As a co-founder of Levels Health, I saw how transformational it can be to deeply understand your own health. I hope my work can help you on your journey to feeling incredible, avoiding preventable diseases, and aging well.”
Casey Means Is Also an Author
In addition to her medical background, Casey is also an author. She wrote Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health.
Is Casey Means Married?
Yes, Casey is married to her husband, Brian Nickerson, according to multiple outlets.
Casey Means Was the Surgeon General Nominee
Casey is currently awaiting a full Senate confirmation vote after being nominated by Trump in May 2025 to serve as the next U.S. Surgeon General. Trump tapped her to replace his earlier nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, after her nomination was withdrawn amid scrutiny.
During that February 25, 2026, hearing, Casey faced intense questioning from lawmakers over her medical background, inactive medical license, past financial ties, wellness advocacy and views on public health topics like vaccines, chronic disease prevention and pesticide policy. Republicans and Democrats alike pressed her on how she would approach critical public health responsibilities, including vaccine guidance and addressing chronic illness nationwide.
Two months later, Casey’s nomination was apparently revoked and replaced by Dr. Nicole Saphier.
Read the full article here
