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Politics & World • Political figure

Mehmet Oz

Mehmet Cengiz Oz, known as Dr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mehmet Cengiz Oz, known as Dr. Oz, is a Turkish American physician, television personality, author, and political figure. He became widely known through appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and as host of The Dr. Oz Show, and has served as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services since 2025.

Early life and education

Oz was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and studied at Harvard University before earning a joint MD and MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. He later built a career in medicine and academic surgery.

Media career

He became a nationally recognized health personality through The Oprah Winfrey Show and later hosted The Dr. Oz Show from 2009 to 2022. His television work made him one of the best-known doctors in U.S. popular media.

Political career

Oz entered electoral politics as the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022 but lost the general election. He later moved into federal government service as CMS Administrator in 2025.

Public health and writing

Oz has written multiple bestselling books on health and wellness and has been associated with public-facing health education initiatives. His media presence also drew criticism over his promotion of alternative or controversial health claims.

Key facts

  • Oz first gained national attention through frequent appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
  • He hosted The Dr. Oz Show from 2009 to 2022.
  • He is a cardiovascular surgeon and professor emeritus associated with Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian.
  • Oz ran as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022 and was defeated.
  • He was confirmed as CMS Administrator in April 2025.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Oz through his long-running health television presence and broader North American media influence, especially in discussions of preventive medicine, wellness claims, and U.S. health policy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mehmet Oz?
He is a Turkish American physician, television personality, author, and political figure best known as Dr. Oz.
Why is he called Dr. Oz?
He uses the nickname from his medical career and television branding, especially his long-running health program.
What show made him famous?
The Dr. Oz Show, which aired from 2009 to 2022.
Did Mehmet Oz run for office?
Yes. He ran for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022 as a Republican and lost.
What government job does he hold?
He is the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a role he assumed in 2025.
What is his educational background?
He earned undergraduate training at Harvard and a joint MD and MBA from the University of Pennsylvania.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mehmet-Oz
    Supports: Birth date and place, Turkish American identity, media career, and CMS nomination/confirmation context.
  2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/who-we-are/leadership
    Supports: Current role as CMS Administrator, education, awards, and professional background.
  3. PBS — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica/profiles/dr-mehmet-oz/4/
    Supports: Education, academic and surgical career, authorship, and public profile.
  4. Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Mehmet_Oz
    Supports: 2022 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate candidacy and election result.
  5. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/mehmet-oz
    Supports: Biography, The Dr. Oz Show, books, HealthCorps, and political run.