President Donald Trump has tapped radiologist Dr. Nicole Saphier to serve as the next U.S. Surgeon General, withdrawing the nomination of Casey Means after her path to confirmation stalled in the Senate.
Trump, in a social media post, praised Saphier for a successful career, specifically citing her work in helping others diagnosed with cancer.
Saphier serves as the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center-Monmouth.
She has a doctor of medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados, along with fellowships at the Mayo Clinic, according to her biography.
Saphier also serves as a Fox News contributor, providing insight into pressing health-related subjects.
Trump, in his announcement, acknowledged Saphier’s ability to communicate and break down important topics to everyday Americans.
"She is also an INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR, who makes complicated health issues more easily understood by all Americans. Dr. Nicole Saphier will do great things for our Country, and help, 'MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN,"' Trump added.
During a tense confirmation hearing, Means was grilled by senators on both sides of the aisle regarding her vaccine stance and other topics, raising serious doubts about her ability to secure the votes she needs to be confirmed as the nation's top doctor.
The 38-year-old Stanford-educated physician also faced pushback on her lack of recent clinical experience. Means did not finish her surgical residency program and doesn’t currently have an active medical license.
GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), expressed reservations about Mills following the hearing.
Means echoed Kennedy’s skepticism about vaccines but also framed vaccination as a personal decision best made by patients and their doctors.
She needed unanimous support from Republicans on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to advance.
Saphier is Trump’s third pick to serve in the role.
Prior to Means, Trump withdrew his first nominee, Fox News medical contributor Janette Nesheiwat, after questions emerged about her academic credentials.