Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos appointed temporary U.S. Surgeon General

Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, wife of Rep. Mike Haridopolos, has been designated to temporarily fill the U.S. Surgeon General role under delegation of authority from Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine. She will oversee public health actions, advisories, and guidance until a permanent nominee is confirmed by the Senate. The Surgeon General position has been vacant since Trump assumed office, with two previous nominees failing Senate approval. Trump recently withdrew Casey Means from consideration, following the earlier rejection of Janette Nesheiwat. His current nominee, Dr. Nicole Saphier—a breast radiologist and Fox News contributor—remains under Senate review. Haridopolos currently serves as director of national communications, chief of staff, and senior adviser at the Office of the Surgeon General. She is a family medicine specialist recognized for expanding medical coverage for children under Florida’s Healthy Kids program, earning the University of South Florida’s 2024 Outstanding Women in Public Health award. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, a Republican representing Florida’s 8th Congressional District, has ties to the appointment. The temporary role aims to maintain continuity in public health leadership amid ongoing political delays. The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the move in a statement, emphasizing Haridopolos’s ability to execute key Surgeon General duties. Her appointment follows months of uncertainty in filling the critical public health position.