In this episode of Wellness Unmasked, Dr. Nicole Saphier delivers your weekly health and policy rundown—starting with a deeply personal reflection on family, resilience, and finding joy during the Northeast blizzard.

Then, she dives into one of the most closely watched health policy stories in Washington: the Senate confirmation hearing of Dr. Casey Means, President Trump’s nominee for Surgeon General.

Dr. Saphier breaks down:

• The controversy over Dr. Means’ medical credentials, including not completing residency and lacking an active medical license

• Why medical professionals are divided—and what it means for trust in public health leadership

• The critical role of the Surgeon General as America’s top health communicator

• Why public trust, credibility, and messaging may matter more than ever in a post-COVID landscape

• The political dynamics behind the confirmation—and why she’s still likely to be approved

Plus, Dr. Saphier shares her candid perspective as a practicing physician on whether credentials should outweigh communication skills—and what the future of public health leadership should look like.

🔜 Coming next week: A deep dive into the State of the Union’s healthcare agenda, the future of the Affordable Care Act, rising premiums, and the growing influence of the MAHA movement.