Trump admin makes temporary appointment while radiologist surgeon general nominee awaits hearings

The Trump administration is tapping a key physician to execute some of the surgeon general's duties as recently nominated radiologist Nicole B. Saphier, MD, awaits confirmation hearings for the position.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is picking Stephanie Haridopolos, MD, to carry out some of the functions typically handled by the “nation’s doctor.” She is a board-certified family physician and current chief of staff for the Office of the Surgeon General and will temporarily take on the honorary title of director of national health communications for the OSG.

She also is married to U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla., with whom she has three children.

“Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine, MD, is using his delegation of authority powers to allow Dr. Haridopolos to begin carrying out many of the duties of the surgeon general on behalf of the American people,” HHS told news outlet The Hill in a statement Wednesday. “She will promote OSG public health actions, advisories, and guidance until the next surgeon general is sworn into office.”

The move comes after President Donald Trump on April 30 nominated Dr. Saphier as the next surgeon general. She is a board-certified breast specialist with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, former Fox News commentator, and best-selling author. Saphier resides in the New York City area with her husband and three sons. She marks Trump’s third selection for surgeon general since his second term began last year, with the key role remaining vacant since he took office. The president previously picked Casey Means, MD, an author and wellness influencer, but her nomination flamed out amid concerns about her qualifications and views on vaccines. 

The White House officially withdrew Means’ nomination on May 11 and replaced her with Saphier, sending the recommendation to the Senate, according to an announcement. No confirmation hearing had been scheduled for the radiologist as of Wednesday. Saphier is expected to be more acceptable to Republican lawmakers who will decide on her nomination, NPR noted May 2. (Means was reportedly held up by opposition from Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.)

The senior senator from Louisiana, who recently lost his primary challenge, will be responsible for overseeing the decision as chair of the Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The committee holds confirmation hearings for most nominated health officials and decides if they can advance to the full Senate. David Mansdoerer, the former deputy assistant secretary of health at HHS during the first Trump administration, believes Saphier will receive a warm reception in the Senate, noting she’s “extremely strong on some of the core base issues.” 

"[She's great on] the pro-life issue, on chronic disease and prevention. She speaks a lot to the MAHA influence, especially to the suburban moms," he told NPR, referring to the Make American Healthy Again movement, an interest group Republicans are looking to court in the upcoming midterms.