The Unconventional Journey of Dr. Casey Means: From Surgeon General Nominee to Alternative Health Advocate
Dropping Out of OHSU
Dr. Casey Means, President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Surgeon General—often dubbed “the nation’s doctor”—took an unexpected turn in her medical career by stepping away from traditional practice entirely. After enrolling in a prestigious five-year residency program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), she left just months before its conclusion in 2018. This decision shocked her colleagues, many of whom believed she had a bright future ahead in medicine.
During her time in the residency, Means reportedly faced considerable stress, grappling with anxiety, depression, and burnout—a common struggle among medical residents overwhelmed by demanding schedules and emotional burdens. She attributed her deteriorating health to relentless 80-hour workweeks and moral distress in a system she perceived as prioritizing symptom treatment over disease prevention.
Reflecting on the Residency Experience
In her memoir, "Good Energy," Means opened up about her challenges, emphasizing that her residency experience was a significant catalyst in her journey toward alternative medicine. Some of her peers described her as an intelligent and engaged resident, yet they too were taken aback by her abrupt exit. Dr. Paul W. Flint, the chair of her department, noted that Means made her decision to leave independently, despite encouragement from hospital staff to take a brief leave of absence.
Dr. Takahiro Tsujikawa, a former researcher at OHSU, expressed admiration for Means, remembering her as both academically outstanding and kind. He reflected on her departure as unexpected, emphasizing he never observed signs of discontent with the medical profession at that time.
A Shift Towards Functional Medicine
Following her exit from OHSU, Means did not abandon her medical career but instead pivoted toward a practice rooted in functional medicine—an alternative approach that focuses on holistic health, emphasizing lifestyle and dietary changes. Initially, she launched a brief alternative medicine practice and became a licensed physician in Oregon, but her traditional license has since lapsed.
Means founded Means Health in 2019, focusing on functional medicine consultations. This approach, while gaining traction among some patients, has drawn skepticism from segments of the medical establishment, primarily for lacking solid scientific validation. Although some studies suggest that aspects of functional medicine might improve outcomes in chronic conditions, critics argue that the field can promote unproven treatments.
Embracing a New Path
In addition to consulting, Means co-founded a health-tech startup called Levels, producing glucose monitoring devices aimed at consumers interested in tracking health metrics. Her business ventures, alongside a popular presence on social media, allowed her to reach a broad audience interested in dietary supplements and health optimization.
Despite her unconventional methodology, Means has garnered a following of individuals who share her skepticism toward the traditional healthcare system, which they view as costly and increasingly inefficient.
License and Leadership Questions
As her career evolved, Means faced practical challenges associated with the reactivation of her Oregon medical license, a requirement for her role as Surgeon General. The U.S. law stipulates that to hold this position, one must possess active medical licensure and experience in public health programs, adding another layer of complexity to her candidacy.
In recent years, her medical license has been inactive, representing a pause in her clinical practice—although it is not connected to any disciplinary actions from the Oregon Medical Board. The reactivation process involves administrative steps, including a background check and proof of professional activity over the past five years, yet as of now, Means had not initiated this process.
Public Debate and Credentialing Scrutiny
Means’ nomination as Surgeon General has triggered public debate, illustrating the conflicts arising within the evolving landscape of American healthcare. She has positioned herself as a voice of alternative health advocacy, but her stance on various issues—such as her support for raw milk consumption and skepticism regarding conventional vaccines—has raised concerns among health professionals and the wider public.
Her nomination is further amplified in a political climate that has already stirred unease regarding healthcare leadership and the trustworthiness of public health measures.
Thus, Dr. Casey Means’ journey reflects a profound shift that continues to challenge conventional medical norms, inviting discussions around the very foundations of healthcare in the United States.
