Key facts
- The US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted to advance Nicole Saphier as the nominee for US Surgeon General.
- President Donald Trump nominated Saphier in April.
- Saphier is director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
- Saphier voiced support for childhood vaccines.
- The committee voted to advance multiple Trump administration nominees.
The US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted on Wednesday to advance the nomination of Nicole Saphier for US Surgeon General. President Donald Trump had nominated Saphier in April, making her his third choice for the position after previous nominations were withdrawn.
Saphier, a radiologist and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering, holds a doctor of medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed fellowships at the Mayo Clinic. She previously served as a contributor to Fox News and, during her confirmation hearing, expressed support for childhood immunization.
The committee also voted to favorably report other nominees for the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Mediation Board. These nominees will proceed to a final vote in the Senate at a later date. The role of Surgeon General is described by the HHS as the "Nation's Doctor," responsible for providing Americans with scientific information to improve health and reduce injury risk.