Why Don't We Have a Surgeon General?
Summary
Hosts Michael Hobbs and Aubrey Gordon examine the chaotic search for a Surgeon General in Donald Trump’s second term. They detail the withdrawn nomination of Dr. Janette Neshwat due to resume fraud and right-wing backlash over her vaccine stance. The episode then scrutinizes nominee Casey Means, exposing her family’s conservative lobbying ties and her for-profit functional medicine business.
Topics discussed
Intro and Patreon support
Context: Trump's first year and the Surgeon General role
The nomination process and committee dynamics
Dr. Neshwat: Nepotism allegations and 'With Arms Wide Open'
Dr. Neshwat: Medical credentials and urgent care background
Dr. Neshwat: Vaccine hesitancy and social media presence
Withdrawal of Neshwat and the Havana Syndrome angle
Casey Means: Origin story and disillusionment with medicine
Casey Means: Father's illness and critique of profit-driven care
The Means family: Grady and Callie's political and business ties
Casey Means: Levels startup and 'Good Energy' book
Casey Means: Anti-vax positions and wellness ideology
Poetry reading: 'The Devil's Wellness Plan'
Backlash: Residency complaints and public reaction
Confirmation hearing: Vaccine questions and evasive answers
Financial conflicts of interest and undisclosed endorsements
Nomination collapse and blame game
Nominee 3: Dr. Susan Bailey's background and contradictions
Conclusion: Low bar for nominees and final thoughts
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