Inactive Medical License Not a Barrier for Surgeon General Nominee Casey Means

President Donald Trump’s nomination of Dr. Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General has sparked debate over her inactive Oregon medical license, which lapsed in 2024.

However, legal requirements for the role do not mandate an active license. The Surgeon General, a vice admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, must have specialized training or significant public health experience—criteria Means meets with her Stanford MD and advocacy for health reform. Her inactive license does not affect her ability to lead public health policy, the position’s primary duty.

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Critics argue it undermines credibility, but supporters highlight her systemic critiques and bestselling book as qualifications.

Means, endorsed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., awaits Senate confirmation as the nation debates her readiness to serve as the “Nation’s Doctor” in this non-clinical role.