President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Surgeon General, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, has become the subject of renewed public interest due to a tragic event from her past. At 13 years old, Nesheiwat was involved in an accidental shooting that resulted in her father's death.
Last month, Trump announced his choice of Dr. Nesheiwat as the United States Surgeon General, describing her as "a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health." He praised her commitment to ensuring access to affordable healthcare and empowering individuals to manage their health.
Dr. Nesheiwat is known for her work as a medical director at CityMD and contributions to Fox News. Her nomination has sparked debate due to her support for COVID-19 vaccinations, masking protocols, and social media censorship of vaccine skeptics during the pandemic. She described these measures as "necessary tools to protect public health," but they alienated some conservative supporters who viewed them as overreach.
In an effort to mend ties with conservatives, Nesheiwat criticized the CDC's vaccine rollout and mandates affecting children. She acknowledged mistakes in earlier positions, saying, "As more data came in, it became clear that some policies were not in the best interest of all Americans."
Critics remain skeptical of Nesheiwat's judgment and question her suitability for a role requiring dedication to individual freedoms and ethics.
The resurfaced incident from her youth involves a report by The New York Times detailing how at 13, Nesheiwat accidentally discharged a handgun while searching for scissors in her father's bedroom. The bullet struck Ziad “Ben” Nesheiwat in the head; he died the following day. Described by police as an accidental shooting, this event deeply affected Nesheiwat and motivated her career in medicine.
In her memoir "Beyond the Stethoscope," she reflects on witnessing her father's death: “When I was 13 years old, I helplessly watched my dear father dying from an accident as blood was spurting everywhere,” adding that this experience inspired her journey into medicine.
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