ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a family medicine physician and Fox News contributor, as the next U.S. Surgeon General. This move continues Trump’s pattern of selecting television personalities for key roles in his administration.
Trump praised Dr. Nesheiwat as “a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health.” He highlighted her commitment to ensuring that Americans have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and empowering individuals to take charge of their health for longer, healthier lives.
Dr. Nesheiwat has a broad background in medicine and humanitarian work. She treated patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided care to victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Joplin tornadoes. She has also worked with the Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief organization, offering her services in countries like Morocco, Haiti, and Poland.
Many Americans are familiar with Dr. Nesheiwat from her appearances as a Fox News contributor, where she has discussed a variety of health issues, including the mpox strain, the impacts of alcohol and drug use, and the importance of disaster relief. Trump’s appointments have often drawn from Fox News personalities, a trend he continued after being elected for a second term in November.
Communication is a key aspect of the Surgeon General’s role, especially when it comes to educating the public on how to improve their health and prevent illness. This role became culturally significant in 1965 when cigarette companies were required to include a warning on their packaging about the health risks of smoking.
The position of Surgeon General gained particular prominence during the tenure of Dr. C. Everett Koop, who served from 1982 to 1989. Dr. Koop became a respected figure for his efforts to destigmatize discussions about AIDS, even as President Ronald Reagan faced criticism for not doing enough to address the crisis.
