Casey Means is back in the headlines as her nomination for U.S. Surgeon General moves through the confirmation process. On May 7, 2025, President 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.
Now, in February 2026, Casey has faced lawmakers during her long-awaited Senate confirmation hearing, which was previously postponed in October 2025 after she went into labor.
As Casey awaits her official confirmation, 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 reportedly married to her husband, Brian Nickerson, according to multiple outlets. She was also expecting her first child as of October 2025.
Casey Means Is a 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 Janette Nesheiwat, after her nomination was withdrawn amid scrutiny.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.
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