Wellness Influencer Faces Senate Confirmation for Surgeon General

Dr. Casey Means, aligned with Health Secretary Kennedy, seeks approval to lead nation's public health efforts

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and entrepreneur, will appear before the Senate health committee on Wednesday as she seeks approval to become the next U.S. surgeon general. Means, who is 38 years old, aims to share her vision for ending chronic disease through dietary and lifestyle changes, which aligns with the current administration's shift in focus away from controversial vaccine policies. However, Means also faces tough questions about her qualifications and potential conflicts of interest, as she has promoted a range of health products without always disclosing financial ties.

Why it matters

The surgeon general is a leader on public health issues for Americans and health officials. If confirmed, Means would be empowered to issue advisories on public health threats and promote the administration's agenda, which includes removing additives from U.S. foods, addressing conflicts of interest at federal agencies, and promoting healthier school lunches. Her nomination has faced criticism from some former surgeons general who question her qualifications.

The details

Means, a Stanford-educated physician, left her surgical residency program in 2018, citing her belief that the healthcare system was 'broken and exploitative.' She then started her own functional medicine practice and co-founded a health tracking app called Levels. Financial disclosures show she has made hundreds of thousands of dollars promoting various health and wellness products, sometimes without fully disclosing her financial interests. If confirmed, Means has pledged to resign from Levels, forfeit stock options, and stop promoting her own book.

  • Means' confirmation hearing was originally scheduled for October 2025 but was rescheduled after she went into labor.
  • The hearing is now set for Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Dr. Casey Means

A 38-year-old wellness influencer, author, and entrepreneur who is aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his 'Make America Healthy Again' movement. She is seeking to become the next U.S. surgeon general.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has shifted the department's focus away from controversial vaccine policies and toward healthy eating initiatives.

Dr. Rich Carmona

A former surgeon general under the Bush administration, who has publicly expressed concerns about Means' qualifications for the role.

Dr. Jerome Adams

The surgeon general during the Trump administration, who has stated that the surgeon general's role requires a current medical license, which Means does not have.

Calley Means

The brother of Dr. Casey Means, who works as a senior adviser to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has helped promote the administration's message about the dangers of ultra-processed foods.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.