Dr. Janette Nesheiwat Gains Momentum on Capitol Hill for Surgeon General Confirmation
Washington D.C. – Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, has been actively engaging with senators on Capitol Hill, seeking their support ahead of her forthcoming confirmation hearing. Dr. Nesheiwat’s efforts appear to be paying off, with several senators expressing their endorsement of her nomination, particularly highlighting her dedication to the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement.
Sources close to Dr. Nesheiwat’s confirmation preparations have indicated that her meetings with senators have been highly productive. She has engaged with staff members of the Senate HELP Committee, including all the Republican health policy staffers, who have reportedly voiced their support for her appointment as medical director in the Public Health Service and Surgeon General.
Dr. Nesheiwat has also met with key figures such as Democrat Senators Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, John Hickenlooper of Colorado, and Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. Senator Blackburn has already expressed her support for Dr. Nesheiwat, while details of the discussions with Senators Hickenlooper and Alsobrooks remain undisclosed.
During these meetings, Dr. Nesheiwat addressed a wide array of critical healthcare issues, including the fight against chronic illnesses and diseases, the opioid crisis, the objectives of the MAHA movement, the importance of vaccines, good nutrition, educating Americans with science-backed data, combating healthcare provider shortages, mental health, food deserts, and the government’s role in tracking health crises and emerging health threats. The conversations have been described as positive and productive.
To date, Dr. Nesheiwat has met with all Republican senators on the Senate HELP Committee, with the exception of Senator Josh Hawley. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, although not a member of the committee, has expressed her desire to meet with Dr. Nesheiwat in early May.
Dr. Nesheiwat brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously served as a contributor for Fox News and holding double-board certifications in family medicine and urgent care medicine. As the daughter of Jordanian immigrants, she has a deep understanding of the diverse healthcare needs of the American population.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Nesheiwat led frontline medical teams in New York City, demonstrating her commitment to public health in times of crisis. She has also been actively involved in managing public health responses during flu epidemics, the opioid crisis, the monkeypox outbreak, and other significant health challenges. Notably, she was the first female medical director for CityMD in Manhattan, one of the largest urgent care systems in the United States.
President Trump, in nominating Dr. Nesheiwat, praised her as a "fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventative medicine and public health." He stated that she is committed to ensuring that Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare and empowering individuals to take charge of their health to live longer, healthier lives. Trump further highlighted her work during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging her contributions on the front lines in New York City. He also commended her expertise and leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the Joplin tornadoes.
President Trump emphasized that Dr. Nesheiwat will play a crucial role in "MAKING AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!"
Senator Bill Cassidy, Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, characterized his meeting with Dr. Nesheiwat as "very good," noting her awareness of the issues facing the nation and their relevance to patient care.
Several Republican senators have voiced their support for Dr. Nesheiwat and the MAHA movement. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana stated that Dr. Nesheiwat "understands the MAHA movement" and that "American health is no longer taking a back seat" under the Trump administration. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama emphasized the importance of strong leadership within Health and Human Services, stating that "Making America Healthy Again starts with having strong leadership." He expressed confidence that Dr. Nesheiwat will be a "fierce MAHA advocate" and work with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to increase transparency in the healthcare system.
Dr. Nesheiwat’s medical education began at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, where she completed her initial curriculum at the Saint Maarten campus. She completed her clinical rotations at prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Metropolitan State Hospital, Guys & St. Thomas Hospitals, and Medway Maritime Hospital. She completed her family medicine residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Area Health Education Center and was elected chief resident during her final year.
In 2009, Dr. Nesheiwat achieved board certification in family medicine from the American Board of Family Medicine, and in 2020, she achieved board certification in urgent care medicine from the American Board of Urgent Care Medicine.
Dr. Nesheiwat’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for May 8 at 10:00 a.m., during which senators on the Senate HELP Committee will question her before holding a confirmation vote. Her extensive experience, commitment to public health, and support from key senators position her favorably for a successful confirmation.
