Trump Shakes Things Up: Former Fox News Star and Physician Nominated as Surgeon General

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday night that he will select Janette Nesheiwat, a physician and former Fox News contributor, to be the surgeon general. The “nation’s doctor” is a common nickname for the surgeon general. If confirmed, she would represent the government on public health matters and supervise, but not directly manage, the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps members. For the most part, it is a figurehead role. “Offering Americans the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury” is how Health and Human Services defines the position.

Nesheiwat, a family and emergency medicine physician, was chosen in keeping with the incoming administration’s emphasis on promoting health in order to reduce the need for expensive medical care.  At the moment, she serves as the medical director for CityMD, a major urgent care center provider in New Jersey and New York. According to Trump’s announcement, “Dr. Nesheiwat is a strong communicator and ardent supporter of public health and preventive medicine.”

The current surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, has prioritized concerns such as addressing parental mental health and loneliness. Additionally, he has condemned social media for negatively impacting young people’s mental health. Nesheiwat has no history of opposing vaccines, in contrast to some of the other health officials Trump has stated he will select. On the social media platform X, Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist and advocate, gave Nesheiwat high marks. Hotez wrote, “A good appointment, happy about this.” “She is a very intelligent, considerate, learning-oriented, and caring doctor.”

Nesheiwat finished her medical education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009 after earning her medical degree from American University of the Caribbean in 2006. Nesheiwat documented “the transformative power of prayer and unwavering dedication to healing and service” in her book “Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine.” The book is sold on Nesheiwat’s website, which also features an advertisement for a dietary supplement she created.