Donald Trump, the president-elect, has named Dr. Mehmet Oz as his choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Dr. Oz will join forces with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, to drive national health policy reforms, Mail Online reported.
Dr. Oz, 64, is best known for hosting The Dr. Oz Show, which earned nine Daytime Emmy Awards. Before entering the entertainment world, he built a reputation as a heart surgeon and health expert. This expertise has now positioned him for a significant political role following his recent political pursuits.
In the 2022 electoral cycle, Dr. Oz entered politics by running as a Republican candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania. He won a fiercely contested Republican primary against David McCormick but lost to Democrat John Fetterman in the general election.
This political venture marked a dramatic shift from his career in medical entertainment, where he frequently appeared as a guest on Oprah Winfrey’s renowned show.
President-elect Donald Trump praised Dr. Oz for his extensive medical background and communication skills, emphasizing his potential to transform the U.S. healthcare system. Trump expressed his confidence in Oz’s abilities stating, "He is an eminent physician, heart surgeon, inventor, and world-class communicator, who has been at the forefront of healthy living for decades."
According to Trump, one of Dr. Oz’s key roles in his new position will be to improve disease prevention measures to ensure efficient healthcare spending. "Dr. Oz will be a leader in incentivizing disease prevention, so we get the best results in the world for every dollar we spend on healthcare in our great country," Trump noted in his announcement.
The president-elect also highlighted the financial responsibilities that accompany the leadership of CMS, mentioning Dr. Oz’s expected contribution to reducing waste and fraud. "He will also cut waste and fraud within our country’s most expensive government agency, which is a third of our nation’s healthcare spend, and a quarter of our entire national budget," Trump asserted.
Dr. Oz will lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in managing vital national healthcare services, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and oversight of Obamacare. This portfolio constitutes a significant share of the federal government's healthcare expenditure.
Dr. Oz will succeed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. He will oversee CMS's management and strategic direction, focusing on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery across the United States.
Dr. Oz has shared a long-term marriage with Lisa Lemole, an author and radio personality, since 1985. They actively pursue mutual interests in health and well-being, both publicly and privately.
In his response to the nomination, Dr. Oz shared his vision for his new role, reflecting on his longstanding friendship and professional rapport with Donald Trump. "I have known Dr. Oz for many years, and I am confident he will fight to ensure everyone in America receives the best possible healthcare, so our country can be great and healthy again!" Trump explained, emphasizing the anticipated positive changes in the health department under Oz's leadership.
As Dr. Oz prepares to take this pivotal role, the healthcare sector expects him to shift toward preventative measures in medical treatment and enforce stringent financial oversight, defining his tenure at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
