Dr. Casey Means is an American medical doctor, author, and entrepreneur who has become a prominent voice in the field of metabolic health and functional medicine. Born Paula Casey Means on September 24, 1987, she legally dropped "Paula" from her name after graduating from medical school. Her career trajectory has been marked by a departure from traditional surgery to a focus on addressing the root causes of chronic disease through personalized nutrition and lifestyle interventions.

Early Life and Education:

Means was raised in Washington, D.C. Her father, Grady Means, had a distinguished career, serving as an assistant to Vice President Nelson Rockefeller and working on health and human welfare issues at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. He later became a managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Her brother, Calley Means, is a former food industry lobbyist who now advocates for policy changes to improve health incentives.

Casey Means graduated with honors from Stanford University with a bachelor's degree in human biology. She continued her education at Stanford University School of Medicine, earning her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 2014. During her time at Stanford, she was the president of her class, indicating early leadership qualities among her peers.

Following medical school, Dr. Means began a residency in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), with the initial aspiration of becoming an ENT surgeon. However, after nearly five years of the program, six months before its completion, she made a significant decision to leave her surgical residency. This pivotal choice was driven by her growing disillusionment with the conventional healthcare system in the United States, which she perceived as often focusing on treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of illness. She has stated that witnessing the "broken and exploitative" nature of the healthcare system motivated her to seek a more preventative and holistic approach to medicine. During her studies and residency, she also supported research at New York University (NYU) and OHSU, demonstrating an early engagement with the scientific aspects of medicine.

Career Shift and Focus on Functional Medicine:

After leaving her surgical residency, Dr. Means established a functional medicine practice in Portland, Oregon. Functional medicine is a systems-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, often through personalized interventions targeting diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This marked a significant shift in her career, moving away from the acute care model of surgery towards a more holistic and preventative paradigm. Her medical license in Oregon was later shifted to "inactive" status on January 1, 2024, indicating a move away from direct patient care in a traditional clinical setting.

Dr. Means's core belief is that metabolic dysfunction, often stemming from ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, lack of sunlight, and insufficient exercise, is the primary driver behind most chronic diseases. This perspective has shaped her work and advocacy in the field of health and wellness.

Levels Health:

In August 2019, Dr. Means co-founded Levels Health, a digital health company dedicated to reversing the world's metabolic health crisis. Levels utilizes continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to provide individuals with real-time data on how their food and lifestyle choices impact their blood sugar levels. This technology empowers users to gain a deeper understanding of their unique metabolic responses and make informed decisions to optimize their health. As the Chief Medical Officer of Levels, Dr. Means plays a crucial role in shaping the company's mission and approach to metabolic health. Levels has been valued at approximately $300 million as of 2024, highlighting its significant impact and growth in the health technology sector. Dr. Means has also served on the faculty at Stanford University, lecturing on metabolic health and health technology, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Author and Public Figure:

Dr. Means is the co-author of "Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health," a #1 New York Times bestseller released in May 2024. Co-authored with her brother, Calley Means, the book explores the critical role of metabolic health in overall well-being and provides practical strategies for optimizing it through diet and lifestyle. "Good Energy" presents a unifying framework for understanding the root causes of many common symptoms and diseases, emphasizing the importance of cellular energy production. The book has received endorsements from prominent figures in the health and wellness space, highlighting its potential to impact public understanding of metabolic health.

Dr. Means has become a visible figure in the media, frequently featured in publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Women's Health, and more. She has also appeared on popular podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience and The Huberman Lab, where she discusses metabolic health, nutrition, and preventative medicine, reaching a wide audience with her message.

Views and Advocacy:

Dr. Means is a strong advocate for addressing the root causes of chronic disease through a focus on metabolic health. She emphasizes the detrimental impact of the modern, ultra-processed food supply and environmental factors on our bodies. Her approach integrates principles of functional medicine with technology to empower individuals to take control of their health. She believes in the power of personalized data and informed choices in achieving optimal well-being.

Dr. Means has also been associated with the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, and she and her brother served as close advisors for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2024 presidential campaign, even helping to negotiate his eventual endorsement of Donald Trump.

Nomination for Surgeon General:

In May 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means to serve as the Surgeon General of the United States. This nomination followed the withdrawal of Janette Nesheiwat. Trump praised Dr. Means's "impeccable MAHA credentials" and suggested she could become "one of the greatest Surgeon Generals in United States history." He indicated that she would work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, on initiatives to reverse the chronic disease epidemic and improve public health. The Surgeon General serves as the nation's leading spokesperson on public health, providing science-based information and advising the government on health policy.

In Conclusion:

Dr. Casey Means is a multifaceted figure in the health and wellness landscape. Her journey from aspiring surgeon to advocate for metabolic health and co-founder of a health technology company demonstrates a commitment to transforming the way we approach healthcare. Through her work with Levels Health, her book "Good Energy," and her public speaking engagements, she empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to optimize their metabolic health and prevent chronic disease. Her recent nomination for Surgeon General of the United States positions her to potentially influence national health policy and further amplify her message on the importance of metabolic well-being.