Conflict of Interest: The Supplement Side Hustle that Threatens Dr. Saphier’s Surgeon General Bid

The nomination of Dr. Nicole Saphier as US surgeon general has raised concerns from public health advocates, who point to her involvement in a lucrative supplement company and investments in industries with direct ties to Americans’ health.

Empower MD, LLC, a business owned by Saphier, sells dietary supplements under the brand name Drop RX. According to financial disclosure forms, Saphier earned $270,605 from her company last year alone, placing her among supplement entrepreneurs who have faced criticism for peddling unproven and potentially hazardous products.

The supplement industry is often shrouded in controversy, with many labeling its products as “snake oil” due to a lack of rigorous scientific backing. Dr. Saphier’s involvement raises questions about her judgment given the US surgeon general’s repeated warnings about the dangers of tobacco since the 1960s.

The Tobacco Ties that Bind

Dr. Peter Lurie, a vocal critic of the wellness industry and author of a scathing review of supplement safety concerns, notes that Saphier’s investments in tobacco companies like Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco Industries are alarming. These companies have been at the center of decades-long public health campaigns against smoking, yet Saphier stands accused of profiting from their sales.

Lurie’s assertion is striking given the US surgeon general’s long-standing stance on tobacco as a deadly product. It seems unimaginable that someone with such deep ties to tobacco would be entrusted with leading the nation’s public health efforts. As he bluntly put it, “No public health person worth their salt would put a penny in a tobacco company.” The implications are dire: can we trust someone who has essentially made a killing off of products declared deadly by her own office?

Divestment and Disclosure

In an effort to assuage concerns about these investments, Saphier has pledged to divest her interests within 90 days of confirmation. However, it’s unclear whether such promises will be enough to quell the growing storm around her nomination.

The optics are far from ideal: we’re being asked to trust someone who stands to benefit financially from industries directly tied to Americans’ health. This raises fundamental questions about accountability and transparency in government appointments – can we truly rely on individuals with clear conflicts of interest to serve our nation’s best interests?

The Broader Implications

The scrutiny surrounding Saphier’s supplement company serves as a stark reminder of the growing disconnect between public health and financial interests. As long as policymakers continue to allow lucrative side hustles to intersect with their duties, we risk undermining the very fabric of our healthcare system.

This scenario raises uncomfortable questions about the future of US public health policy: will we continue down a path where those in positions of authority are beholden to financial interests rather than the well-being of our citizens? The nomination has exposed an issue that demands urgent attention and reform. Ultimately, it will be up to the Senate to decide whether Saphier is fit for the role.