President-elect Donald Trump has selected Mehmet Oz, popularly known as Dr. Oz, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The appointment comes ahead of Trump’s January 20 inauguration as part of his efforts to form his administration.
Trump praised Dr. Oz in his announcement, stating, “America is facing a healthcare crisis, and there may be no physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again.” He added that Dr. Oz is a renowned heart surgeon and health advocate who will focus on cutting waste, reducing fraud, and prioritizing disease prevention.
Dr. Oz’s Background
Mehmet Oz, the son of Turkish immigrants, holds a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He specialized in cardiothoracic surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Oz rose to national prominence in 2004 through his appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where he frequently shared health advice. In 2009, he launched The Dr. Oz Show, which ran for over 12 years. The show ended in January 2022 when Oz announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, a bid that ultimately failed.
Why Is Dr. Oz Controversial?
Dr. Oz’s career has been marked by criticism over controversial medical claims. For example:
In 2010, he claimed that placing lavender soap in bed could alleviate restless leg syndrome.
In 2011, he warned viewers about arsenic levels in apple juice. However, the FDA refuted his claims, stating the arsenic levels posed no danger.
He promoted the use of HCG, a hormone from pregnancy, for weight loss, despite FDA warnings against the practice.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Oz endorsed the use of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment, echoing Trump’s support for the drug despite insufficient evidence. He also criticized government responses to the pandemic, accusing officials of misleading the public.
A 2014 study in the British Medical Journal found that only 46% of Dr. Oz’s health recommendations were evidence-based. In 2015, a group of doctors criticized Columbia University for maintaining its partnership with him, calling it “unacceptable.”
Responsibilities as CMS Administrator
If confirmed, Dr. Oz will oversee a federal agency responsible for healthcare coverage for over 160 million Americans, nearly half the country’s population. CMS manages Medicare and Medicaid and employs around 6,700 staff. Last year, the agency had expenditures of $1.48 trillion, making it one of the largest healthcare purchasers worldwide.
Dr. Oz supports Medicare Advantage, a program run by private insurers. Critics argue that this approach could further privatize Medicare, potentially limiting patients’ access to non-participating doctors and hospitals.
Reactions to the Nomination
Dr. Oz’s nomination has drawn significant backlash. Lawrence Gostin, a health law expert at Georgetown University, described him as “unfit” for the role, accusing him of promoting conspiracy theories and unproven medical treatments.
Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., also expressed concern, stating, “CMS is a crucial agency ensuring healthcare access for millions. I am alarmed that President-elect Trump has chosen a TV celebrity without the necessary experience.”
Tony Carrk, executive director of the government watchdog Accountable US, criticized Oz’s nomination, warning that it could have “devastating consequences” for healthcare services, especially for seniors.
A Polarizing Appointment
Trump’s decision to nominate Dr. Oz underscores his unconventional approach to key appointments. While supporters highlight Oz’s experience in health advocacy, critics warn of potential risks stemming from his controversial medical claims and lack of relevant administrative experience. The nomination sets the stage for a contentious confirmation process.