• Casey Means' confirmation hearing for Surgeon General was postponed as she went into labor.
• She is a wellness influencer and has previously criticized traditional medicine practices.
• Her nomination has garnered both support and opposition due to her unconventional health views.
• Means has committed to resigning from her health-tech company if confirmed.
• This is Trump's second nomination for the Surgeon General position after the withdrawal of another candidate.

Dr. Casey Means, President Trump's nominee for Surgeon General, was scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee when her confirmation hearing was abruptly postponed due to her going into labor. The hearing was originally set for October 30, but was delayed by this personal event, marking a significant moment in her nomination timeline, which began back in May when she was nominated after the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat's candidacy, according to CBS News.

Means, who graduated from Stanford Medical School, initially trained as a surgeon but left her residency to focus on what she describes as functional medicine. She has been a vocal critic of traditional medical practices and has emphasized tackling the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms, a stance aligned with the views of her ally, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to Reuters and NPR.

As part of her confirmation process, Means has stated her intention to resign from her ownership stake in her health-tech company, Levels, should she be confirmed. This step was taken to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, given her financial ties to the health technology industry and her advocacy for alternative health practices. Her federal disclosure filing indicates her commitment to divest from these connections prior to or upon her confirmation, as reported by both Reuters and CBS News.

Means' nomination has sparked significant debate; she has garnered support from those advocating for more innovative approaches to public health, while critics express concern about her qualifications and her controversial stances on public health issues, including vaccinations and dietary practices. Notable opposition has been voiced by public health leaders who fear her confirmation may lead to the promotion of unscientific health practices, according to Reuters and NPR.