Story Highlight
- Dr Nicole Saphier nominated as US surgeon general by Donald Trump.
- Previous nominees faced scrutiny over qualifications and views on vaccines.
- Saphier supports MMR vaccine stating no evidence links vaccines to autism.
- She promised to sell her supplement company and tobacco stocks if confirmed.
- Confirmation expected as her hearing responses were positively received.
Full Story
Dr Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and health influencer, appeared before the US Senate as Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, the country’s chief medical officer, during a hearing held overnight. The position has been vacant since Trump resumed office, following the setbacks of two prior nominees, Dr Casey Means and Janette Nesheiwat, who faced scrutiny regarding their backgrounds and qualifications.
At 44 years old, Saphier holds significant medical credentials. However, her nomination has prompted controversy, particularly related to her business that sells herbal supplements. During the hearing, she addressed questions regarding her opinions on smoking, abortion, and vaccines.
Saphier stated, “I don’t know what causes autism, but I have not seen reputable evidence that would suggest that vaccines cause autism,” in response to inquiries about vaccine safety. Furthermore, she defended the hepatitis B vaccine, describing it as a crucial preventive measure against cancer. Saphier provided measured responses when asked about abortion, expressing her commitment to improving maternal health outcomes.
She is currently a radiologist and the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Monmouth in New Jersey, with a focus on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, she serves as a faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine, recognised for her contributions to women’s health.
Trump praised Saphier as a “star physician” with a dedicated career in guiding women battling breast cancer. He expressed that the country has been “long waiting” for her appointment. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also endorsed her nomination.
Saphier attempted to present her experience in media as beneficial for the role, emphasizing her ability to communicate complicated medical information effectively. She owns Drop Rx, an online business that sells herbal supplements, although these products have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The range includes various supplements that the Center for Science in the Public Interest has described as “quackery.”
Concerns have also been raised regarding her investments in tobacco companies. Saphier intends to divest from these companies and her ownership in Drop Rx if confirmed. She pledged to pause her podcast during her confirmation and potential tenure as surgeon general, expressing hope to return in the future.
Saphier, alongside other nominees, is anticipated to receive confirmation as she successfully addressed the Senate’s inquiries during the hearing. The Senate is also considering other nominees, such as Chris Klomp for deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and Timothy Westlake to lead the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Source: read the original report.
