US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a well-known medical expert and Fox News contributor, as the new Surgeon General of the United States.
The 48-year-old physician, recognized for her appearances on national news, is set to become the nation’s top doctor in the coming weeks.
Dr. Nesheiwat has gained attention in the medical community for her expertise, but her personal history has also made headlines.
In a tragic turn of events when she was just 13 years old, Dr. Nesheiwat accidentally shot and killed her father, Ben Nesheiwat, at their family home in Orlando, Florida.
The incident occurred while she was searching for a pair of scissors and accidentally knocked over a fishing tackle box containing a .38-caliber handgun, which discharged and fatally wounded her father.
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According to a 1990 police report, Dr. Nesheiwat was alone in her father’s bedroom when the accident occurred.
She described the moment she found blood on her father’s ear and realized he had been shot.
Despite the coroner ruling the death an accidental shooting, the traumatic experience left a deep emotional mark on Dr. Nesheiwat.
In her memoir, Beyond The Stethoscope, Dr. Nesheiwat reflects on the tragedy, though she does not directly address her role in her father’s death.
Instead, she writes about the devastating loss and how it inspired her to pursue a career in medicine, driven by the desire to help others and prevent similar tragedies.
“I couldn’t save his life. This was the start of my personal journey in life to become a physician,” she wrote.
Dr. Nesheiwat’s appointment has sparked conversation, with many noting her resilience in overcoming such a difficult experience and her successful medical career.
As Surgeon General, she will be tasked with guiding the nation’s health policies and priorities.