Mehmet Oz, a well-known heart surgeon who transitioned into a celebrity talk show host and wellness advocate, has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This significant federal agency serves a critical role in the healthcare system, impacting more than a third of the American population.
Dr. Oz first gained public attention as a heart surgeon before becoming a prominent figure on Oprah Winfrey’s daytime television show. He later launched his own program, “The Dr. Oz Show,” in 2009, which aired successfully for 13 seasons, significantly boosting his recognition as a household name. Although he stepped back from performing surgeries in 2018, Oz continues to hold an active physician license in Pennsylvania, set to expire at the end of this year.
Beyond his television accomplishments, Oz is a bestselling author and award-winning talk show host, having also ventured into radio. He founded a national nonprofit aimed at teaching teenagers about healthy lifestyle choices and has taken part as a guest host on the quiz show “Jeopardy!” Oz notably helped save a man’s life at Newark Liberty International Airport, showcasing his commitment to health.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to a father who was a heart surgeon and a Turkish immigrant, Oz has a diverse background. He attended a prestigious high school in Delaware and pursued a degree at Harvard University, where he played football. In a nod to his dual citizenship, he served in the Turkish army.
Although recognized for his surgical expertise, Oz has also excelled as a marketer. His show offered viewers nutritional and wellness advice, presenting him as a relatable, trustworthy doctor who could simplify complex health topics. However, there were controversies surrounding his promotion of certain products that some criticized as lacking credible medical validity. Legal issues followed him, with accusations of misleading claims aired on his show, as well as promotions for businesses often criticized for unethical marketing tactics.
In 2022, Oz entered the political arena by running for the U.S. Senate as a Republican candidate, emerging as one of the year’s notable political contenders. Despite being well-established in New Jersey and working in New York City, he opted to run in Pennsylvania, attributing this choice to his family connections in the state. His campaign heavily leveraged his celebrity status, and he adopted slogans reminiscent of his television persona.
Oz won a competitive Republican primary, receiving Trump’s coveted endorsement. Trump noted that women particularly trust Dr. Oz for health insights. Ultimately, Oz narrowly secured the primary victory after a protracted court dispute but ultimately lost to Democrat John Fetterman in the general election.
His relationship with Trump dates back to the mid-2000s, beginning with an event for Oz’s charitable foundation held at one of Trump’s golf courses. Their encounters continued over the years, culminating in an interview regarding Trump’s health during the 2016 presidential campaign. In that same year, Trump appointed him to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
If Senate confirmation is granted, Oz will step into the role at the helm of CMS, where he will be responsible for Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Affordable Care Act, collectively serving over 160 million individuals across various stages of life. CMS is pivotal not only for its coverage but also for its influential position within the $4.5 trillion U.S. healthcare system, as it sets payment benchmarks for providers and establishes vital operational standards for healthcare delivery.