President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, has had her past resurface with revelations of a tragic childhood accident. In an event that dramatically shaped her life, a 13-year-old Nesheiwat accidentally shot her father, resulting in his death.
According to New York Post, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat's nomination has brought attention to a deeply personal and painful part of her history involving a fatal gun accident during her childhood.
The accident occurred in Umatilla, Florida in February 1990 while Dr. Nesheiwat was looking for scissors; her actions unwittingly released a shot that tragically killed her father while he slept. The incident, deemed accidental by authorities, left an indelible mark on Nesheiwat's psyche and future.
Following the incident, her father, Ziad “Ben” Nesheiwat, was quickly transported to an Orlando hospital where he died the next day. The emotional and psychological impact of witnessing her father's sudden death propelled her toward a career in medicine, aiming to prevent others from experiencing such helplessness.
In her 2017 memoir "Beyond the Stethoscope," Dr. Nesheiwat reflected on the harrowing experience, discussing the profound effect it had on her life without revealing her direct involvement in the tragedy. “When I was 13 years old I helplessly watched my dear father dying from an accident as blood was spurting everywhere,” she wrote.
Her journey of healing and growth through medicine was, in her own words, driven by the traumatic shadows of that day which continued to unravel her life, leaving her devastated.
Dr. Nesheiwat worked as a medical director for CityMD and had stints in practical medicine, particularly in areas hit by natural disasters. This hands-on experience in crises earned her praise from diverse quarters, including media where she served as a contributor for Fox News.
Her leadership and on-the-ground work during healthcare emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, were noted by President-elect Trump in his announcement. “Her expertise and leadership have been pivotal during some of the most challenging Healthcare crises of our time,” affirmed Trump.
Moreover, Trump's endorsement highlighted her expected contributions to his health agenda, aimed at "MAKING AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN."
Dr. Nesheiwat hails from a family deeply involved in various professional fields. Her mother served as a pediatric nurse, which added another layer of influence toward her medical vocation. She also has a sister who served as a homeland security adviser, another who is a model, and two siblings who pursued law.
The recent spotlight on her past, due to the nomination, revived details of her father's death, previously not publicly acknowledged by her as involving her direct action. Up until now, Dr. Nesheiwat had not disclosed that the accident involved a gunshot or her role in it.
Following the resurfacing of these events through a report by the New York Times, Dr. Nesheiwat declined to comment directly on the matter and did not respond to additional requests for comment from other media outlets, including the Post.
As Dr. Nesheiwat prepares to possibly step into the role of Surgeon General, people are revisiting her personal and professional background, viewing it not only for scrutiny but as a testament to her resilience and dedication to health care. Her tragic past, though painful, shapes her commitment to medicine and public health leadership.
As the confirmation process approaches, the medical and political communities are watching closely, eager to see how her personal history and professional expertise will influence her approach to national health policies.
Dr. Nesheiwat's journey, from witnessing a family tragedy to potentially overseeing national health initiatives, embodies a narrative of overcoming personal adversity through dedicated public service.
