President Trump nominates radiologist to serve as surgeon general

April 30, 2026 - 18:18

President Donald Trump has announced his nomination for the next U.S. Surgeon General, choosing Dr. Nicole B. Saphier, a board-certified breast radiologist and a familiar face on Fox News. If confirmed, she would become the nation's top doctor, tasked with communicating public health guidance to the American people.

Dr. Saphier currently works at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where she specializes in breast imaging and cancer detection. She is also a frequent medical contributor on Fox News, often discussing health policy and the intersection of medicine and politics. Her nomination signals a continued preference for appointees who combine clinical expertise with a strong media presence.

The Surgeon General's office oversees the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and issues major health advisories. Dr. Saphier's background in radiology and oncology gives her a specific focus on cancer prevention and early detection. She has also written about the importance of patient advocacy and the need for clear, trustworthy information in an age of medical misinformation.

If the Senate confirms her, Dr. Saphier would replace Dr. Vivek Murthy, who served under the Biden administration. Her nomination has drawn both support from conservative health commentators and scrutiny from critics who question her political alignment with the administration. The confirmation process is expected to begin in the coming weeks.