Janette Nesheiwat, a physician and former Fox News contributor, will be nominated as surgeon general, President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday evening.
The general surgeon is often referred to as the “nation’s doctor.” If confirmed, she would oversee, but not directly supervise, members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and speak on behalf of the government on public health problems. It is largely a figurehead position. Health and Human Services describes the work as “providing Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.”
The choice of Nesheiwat, a primary care and emergency physician, is consistent with the new administration’s focus on keeping people healthy in an effort to avoid expensive care. She is currently the medical director of CityMD, a major provider of urgent care clinics in New York and New Jersey.
“Dr. Nesheiwat is a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health,” Trump’s announcement said.
Vivek Murthy, the current surgeon general, has focused on combating loneliness and improving the mental health of parents, among other things. He has also criticized social media for having a negative effect on the mental health of young people.
Unlike some other health officials Trump said he will nominate, Nesheiwat has no history of criticizing vaccines. Vaccine scientist and advocate Peter Hotez praised Nesheiwat on the social media website X.
“A good appointment, happy with it,” Hotez wrote. “She is very smart, thoughtful, interested in learning and a compassionate doctor.”
Nesheiwat received her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean in 2006 and completed her medical training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009.
Nesheiwat wrote a book, “Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine,” about “the transformative power of prayer and unwavering commitment to healing and service.” Nesheiwat is selling the book on her website, which features an advertisement for a nutritional supplement she created.