Dr. Janette Nesheiwat is making headlines as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for U.S. Surgeon General, stirring up discussions and concerns about her views and qualifications for such a pivotal public health role.
Nesheiwat, known for her work as the medical director of CityMD, a network of urgent care clinics, and her time as a medical contributor on Fox News, is expected to lead the charge on key health issues if confirmed by the Senate. Her nomination signals Trump's continued preference for selecting individuals closely aligned with his administration's ideologies, particularly those willing to challenge established public health narratives.
Born to Jordanian immigrants and raised by her mother, who was also a nurse, Nesheiwat has deep roots and personal experiences influencing her worldview. She grew up with four siblings in Umatilla, Florida, after her family migrated to the United States. This background, coupled with her education—a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Florida and medical training at the American University of the Caribbean—provides her with diverse experiences. She has previously worked on disaster relief missions around the globe, including those following the Haitian earthquake, during the Ukraine crisis, and aiding communities affected by hurricanes.
Despite these commendable feats, critics have pointed out Nesheiwat's relatively limited experience in broader public health matters compared to her predecessor, Vivek Murthy. While Murthy had extensive involvement with health organizations and initiatives before his tenure as Surgeon General, Nesheiwat’s background is primarily rooted in urgent care and her media presence. This has led to skepticism about her capacity to engage with complex public health issues and navigate them effectively.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Nesheiwat's public health stance is her call to ban social media for teenagers. During her appearances, she has linked social media use to negative mental health impacts, advocating for total bans for children and teenagers. She believes this drastic measure could mitigate issues like cyberbullying and the harmful effects of online interactions, which she claims are detrimental to young people's well-being.
“Social media has had a tremendous negative impact on all aspects of society, especially our younger generations,” she stated during a television interview. Her proposal resonates with growing concerns from many parents and advocates who lobby for stricter measures to protect children online.
Nesheiwat's views extend beyond social media to other contentious health issues. She has expressed unwavering support for COVID-19 vaccines, calling them “a miracle” and “a gift from God,” and has publicly endorsed vaccination for adults. Yet, she has complicated this stance by criticizing vaccine mandates, claiming they have adversely impacted the workforce and potential health workers.
Although she advocates for vaccination, Nesheiwat’s hesitance about mandates reflects growing skepticism among some Americans about government power over individual health decisions. “To mandate vaccines, at this point, I think, is the wrong move,” she argued last summer, which raises questions about her commitment to vaccination as part of public health strategy.
When discussing specific vaccine policies, Nesheiwat noted her concerns about using COVID-19 vaccines for young boys, citing potential risks of heart inflammation. Critics say her claims downplay the risks associated with COVID-19 itself and contradict guidance from established health organizations, which affirm the vaccines' safety and efficacy.
-On another front, Nesheiwat has taken stances on the treatment of transgender youth. She recognizes the struggles transgender children face but emphasizes the need for caution surrounding medical interventions. Her position reflects broader debates about gender-affirming care, which many expert medical organizations support as necessary for the well-being of transgender youth.
Despite recognizing the challenges faced by transgender youth, she also promotes the idea of psychotherapy as the primary treatment route over medical options. This perspective has drawn fire from medical experts who argue for the inclusion of diverse treatment options to best address individual needs.
Meanwhile, her involvement with the media and the dietary supplement industry adds another layer to her public persona. Nesheiwat has promoted her brand of dietary supplements, emphasizing natural vitamins to boost the immune system. Critics of the supplement industry have raised concerns about the efficacy and safety of such products, pointing out the lack of regulation and scientific backing for many supplement claims.
Despite varying opinions surrounding her qualifications and viewpoints, Trump praised her ability to communicate health messages and her commitment to empowering individuals to take charge of their health. “Dr. Nesheiwat is a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health,” Trump said, framing her nomination as inevitable.
The intersection of public health and politics presents unique challenges for those taking office. If confirmed, Nesheiwat will need to navigate these waters delicately, balancing her views with scientific consensus. She will oversee the U.S. Public Health Service Corps, consisting of about 6,000 officers who are dedicated public health professionals.
Critics and supporters alike are watching closely as her confirmation hearings approach. Whether her reign as Surgeon General will pivot public health policy remains to be seen, but her selection already showcases Trump's inclination to prioritize loyalty and ideology over the traditional qualifications often sought for such roles. With significant responsibilities on her shoulders, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat's appointment could shape the nation's health discourse markedly.