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Mehmet Oz, better known as Dr. Oz from his long-running talk show, is stepping into the political spotlight once again. On March 14, 2025, he testified before the Senate regarding his nomination to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under Donald Trump’s administration. With a Republican majority in the Senate, his confirmation seems likely. If approved, Oz will be in charge of overseeing Medicare and Medicaid funding, as well as shaping policies that affect private health insurance.
Dr. Oz, a former heart surgeon, first transitioned from medicine to television, becoming a household name with The Dr. Oz Show. He later made a political pivot, running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022. Though he lost that race, he remained a high-profile conservative voice, which likely helped secure his nomination for this influential healthcare role.
Dr. Oz’s wife and children details!
Beyond his professional life, Oz has a strong family legacy. He has been married to Lisa Oz since 1985. Their love story is unique—introduced by their surgeon fathers, their first date was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Lisa recalls that Mehmet barely spoke to her during dinner, directing most of his conversation toward her mother!
Despite that rocky start, their marriage has thrived. Oz credits their long-lasting relationship to embracing change, saying, “Every seven years, you have to reinvent the relationship.” Lisa played a key role in his TV career, helping him transition from guest expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show to hosting his own program.
The couple shares four children:
- Daphne Oz – A well-known TV personality who co-hosted The Chew and The Good Dish. She has four children.
- Arabella Oz – Once an actress (featured in Jigsaw), she is now a mental health counselor.
- Zoe Oz – Chose the tech world over entertainment and serves as the Chief Marketing Officer of Bilt Rewards.
- Oliver Oz – Following in his father’s footsteps, Oliver is a medical student and a Harvard graduate. He married Katie Ballantine in 2023.
Dr. Oz is also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Philomena, Jovan, Domenica, and Giovanna.
Dr. Oz’s religion
Raised in a Muslim household, Oz identifies as a “secular Muslim,” meaning he separates religion from politics and governance. During his Senate campaign in 2022, he made history as the first Muslim candidate nominated by a major party for the U.S. Senate. Had he won, he would have been the first Muslim senator and one of the wealthiest members of Congress.
Despite his background, Oz has distanced himself from some Islamic traditions, particularly opposing Sharia law in the U.S. His stance may have been a strategic move to align with conservative voters.
If confirmed as the head of CMS, Oz will be responsible for managing healthcare policies that impact millions of Americans. While his transition from TV doctor to political figure has been unconventional, his influence in shaping healthcare decisions is about to reach new heights. Whether his leadership will be a success—or just another controversial chapter in his career—remains to be seen.