History of Mehmet Oz in Timeline
Mehmet Cengiz Oz, prominently known as Dr. Oz, is an American figure notable as a television presenter, physician, author, and educator. More recently, he transitioned into government service and is the current administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a role he has held since 2025. Oz's career spans media, medicine, and now public administration.
2 hours ago : Trump Administration Acknowledges Error in Mehmet Oz Health Care Fraud Accusations
The Trump administration admitted a mistake regarding accusations of health care fraud in New York related to Mehmet Oz. This admission corrected a previously held stance following scrutiny of the claims.
June 11, 1960: Mehmet Oz born
On June 11, 1960, Mehmet Cengiz Oz was born. He is an American television presenter, physician, author, and educator.
1973: Roe v. Wade decision
In 2022, Oz announced that he supported overturning the 1973 Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision and was against abortion, except for when the mother's life is in danger or in cases of rape or incest.
1982: Graduation from Harvard
In 1982, Mehmet Oz graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in biology, magna cum laude.
1985: Marriage to Lisa Oz
In 1985, Mehmet Oz married Lisa Oz, an author and television personality, in Philadelphia. They met through their fathers and have four children together. They also founded HealthCorps.
1986: Receives M.D. and M.B.A.
In 1986, Mehmet Oz obtained a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Penn's Wharton School, respectively.
April 1995: Founds Cardiac Complementary Care Center
In April 1995, Mehmet Oz and his colleague Jerry Whitworth founded the Cardiac Complementary Care Center.
1996: Heart Transplant for Frank Torre
In 1996, Mehmet Oz and Eric Rose received media publicity for their work on a successful heart transplant for Frank Torre.
1999: Global Leader of Tomorrow
In 1999, Oz was named a "Global Leader of Tomorrow" by the World Economic Forum.
2000: Opens Cardiovascular Institute
In 2000, Mehmet Oz reopened the Cardiac Complementary Care Center as the Cardiovascular Institute and Integrative Medicine Program at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where he served as director.
2001: Professor at Columbia University
In 2001, Mehmet Oz became a professor at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
2003: Television Hosting Debut
In 2003, Mehmet Oz made his television hosting debut with Second Opinion with Dr. Oz, aired through the Discovery Channel.
2003: Presentation Withdrawal and Ban
In 2003, Mehmet Oz was forced to withdraw a presentation on heart bypass surgery from the American Association for Thoracic Surgery conference and was banned from presenting or publishing work for two years.
2003: Second Opinion with Dr. Oz Launched
In 2003, the Discovery Channel launched Second Opinion with Dr. Oz. Oz also began appearing as a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
2004: Supported George W. Bush
In 2004, Mehmet Oz supported the re-election campaign of President George W. Bush.
2004: Global Leader of Tomorrow
In 2004, Oz was named a "Global Leader of Tomorrow" by the World Economic Forum.
2004: Regular Guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show
Starting in 2004, Mehmet Oz began regularly appearing as a health expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show for five seasons.
2007: Oz Describes Himself as Moderate Republican
In 2007, Mehmet Oz had described himself as a "moderate Republican" and cited Arnold Schwarzenegger and Theodore Roosevelt as inspirations.
2007: Active in Republican Party
In 2007, it was reported that Mehmet Oz had been active in his local chapter of the Republican Party of New Jersey for several years.
2008: Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People"
In 2008, Oz was listed on Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People".
September 14, 2009: The Dr. Oz Show Debuts
On September 14, 2009, The Dr. Oz Show debuted, distributed by Sony Pictures Television.
2009: Advocated for mandatory healthcare coverage
In 2009, Oz stated that healthcare coverage should be mandatory for everyone in America, with the government providing it for those who cannot afford it.
2009: Nominated for Daytime Emmy Award
In 2009, Oz was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host with The Dr. Oz Show.
2009: National Magazine Award
In 2009, Oz's article "Retool, Reboot, and Rebuild" was awarded the National Magazine Award for Personal Service.
2009: The Dr. Oz Show Launched
In 2009, The Dr. Oz Show, a daily television program about medical matters and health, was launched by Winfrey's Harpo Productions and Sony Pictures Television.
2009: Pigasus Award
Oz was awarded the James Randi Educational Foundation's Pigasus Award in 2009 for his promotion of reiki. He defended his use of reiki for moral support in the operating room.
August 2010: Diagnosed with Pre-Cancerous Polyp
In August 2010, Oz was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous polyp in the colon during a routine colonoscopy performed on his show, which he credited with potentially saving his life.
2010: Co-founded Sharecare, Inc.
In 2010, Mehmet Oz joined Jeff Arnold as co-founder of Sharecare, Inc.
2010: Support for Transgender Youth
In 2010, Oz hosted and offered support to transgender youth and their families on his television show.
2010: NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
In 2010, Oz played in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
2010: Supported government-backed healthcare
In 2010, Oz supported a government-backed healthcare system and promoted the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) in an advertisement.
2010: Won Daytime Emmy Award
In 2010, Oz won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host with The Dr. Oz Show.
January 2011: Ask Oprah's All-Stars Premiere
In January 2011, Mehmet Oz premiered as part of a weekly advice show on OWN called "Ask Oprah's All-Stars."
2011: Won Daytime Emmy Award
In 2011, Oz won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host with The Dr. Oz Show.
2012: Arrangement with Usana Health Sciences
In 2012, Mehmet Oz entered into an arrangement with Usana Health Sciences, a multi-level marketing dietary supplement manufacturer, and was paid over $50 million over five years to promote Usana products on his show.
2012: Supported Shmuley Boteach
In 2012, Mehmet Oz supported the candidacy of Shmuley Boteach, a rabbi who ran for Congress as a Republican in New Jersey.
2012: Opposes Conversion Therapy
In 2012, Oz announced his opposition to conversion therapy after facing criticism for hosting a guest who supported it. He also hosted guests from GLAAD who spoke out against conversion therapy on his show.
2012: Interview with Henry Louis Gates Jr.
In a 2012 interview with Henry Louis Gates Jr., Oz said that his father strictly followed Islam, while his mother was a secular Kemalist.
2013: Partnership with Neusoft Xikang
In 2013, Mehmet Oz partnered with Neusoft Xikang, a health technology subsidiary of the Chinese tech company Neusoft, and served as their chief health advisor.
2013: Visit to Israel
In 2013, Oz visited Israel and has long been a supporter of the country.
2013: Evaluation of Recommendations on The Dr Oz Show
In early 2013, a study evaluated forty episodes of The Dr Oz Show, determining that evidence supported 46 percent, contradicted 15 percent, and was not found for 39 percent of the recommendations. Unfounded claims included saying apple juice had unsafe levels of arsenic and cell phones could cause breast cancer.
February 4, 2014: Launch of Dr. Oz The Good Life
On February 4, 2014, Oz and the Hearst Corporation launched the bi-monthly magazine Dr. Oz The Good Life.
October 23, 2014: Surgeon Oz Debuts on OWN
On October 23, 2014, Surgeon Oz, a show about Oz's career as a surgeon, debuted on OWN.
2014: Study on Medical Talk Shows
A 2014 study published in the British Medical Journal found that medical talk shows such as The Dr. Oz Show and The Doctors often lack adequate information on the specific benefits or evidence of their claims.
2014: Senate Hearing on Consumer Protection
During a 2014 Senate hearing on consumer protection, Senator Claire McCaskill criticized Mehmet Oz for airing segments on weight loss products that are later cited in advertisements and expressed concern that he was "melding medical advice, news, and entertainment in a way that harms consumers."
2014: Oz Calls for Fracking Regulations
In 2014, Mehmet Oz had called for more regulations on fracking, including halting the practice until the environmental impact had been researched more.
2014: Marijuana for medicinal purposes
In 2014, Oz stated on Larry King Live that "marijuana is hugely beneficial when used correctly for medicinal purposes".
2014: Won Daytime Emmy Award
In 2014, Oz won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host with The Dr. Oz Show.
2015: Patents Held by 2015
By 2015, Mehmet Oz held several patents related to heart surgery.
2015: Physicians Demand Removal from Faculty
In 2015, a group of 10 physicians demanded Columbia remove Mehmet Oz from the faculty for his alleged "disdain for science and for evidence-based medicine."
September 2016: Donald Trump on The Dr. Oz Show
In September 2016, during his presidential campaign, Donald Trump appeared on The Dr. Oz Show, where Oz promoted that he would assess Trump's medical records.
2016: Won Daytime Emmy Award
In 2016, Oz won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host with The Dr. Oz Show.
2017: Oz Co-Authors Article on Climate Change Threats
In 2017, Mehmet Oz co-authored an article that highlighted the threats of climate change, including extreme heat, wildfires, and floods.
2017: Criticized Marijuana classification
In 2017, Oz criticized the federal government for classifying marijuana as a Schedule I drug, hindering scientific research.
2017: Support for waiting periods
In 2017, Oz expressed support for waiting periods before someone can acquire a gun.
2018: Retirement to Professor Emeritus
In 2018, Mehmet Oz retired to professor emeritus at Columbia University.
2018: Appointed to President's Council
In 2018, Mehmet Oz was appointed to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition by President Donald Trump.
2018: Professor Emeritus
In 2018, Mehmet Oz's title changed to professor emeritus at Columbia University.
2019: Oz Supported Abortion Rights Before 2019
Before 2019, Mehmet Oz had supported abortion rights, although he said that he disliked abortion on "a personal level".
2019: Called for a ban on assault rifles
In 2019, Oz co-wrote a column that called for the United States to ban assault rifles altogether.
2019: NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
In 2019, Oz played for the Home roster during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Bojangles' Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also played in MLB's All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game.
March 2020: Oz Suggests Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 Treatment
In March 2020, Mehmet Oz suggested that hydroxychloroquine could be used to treat COVID-19.
April 2020: Comments on Reopening Schools
In April 2020, Mehmet Oz appeared on Fox News and said that reopening schools might be worth the increased number of deaths it would cause, later apologizing for the comments.
April 2020: Promotes Hydroxychloroquine on Fox News
In April 2020, Mehmet Oz promoted the use of hydroxychloroquine as a cure for COVID-19 on more than 25 Fox News broadcasts.
May 2020: Trump Claims to Take Hydroxychloroquine
In May 2020, President Donald Trump claimed to be taking hydroxychloroquine, which Mehmet Oz had promoted as a potential cure for COVID-19.
June 2020: FDA Revokes Authorization of Hydroxychloroquine
In June 2020, the Food and Drug Administration revoked emergency use authorization of hydroxychloroquine, saying that it was "no longer reasonable to believe" that the drug was effective against COVID-19.
November 2020: Lawsuit from Sister
In November 2020, Oz was sued by his sister, Nazlim Öz, who alleged he was withholding her rental income from apartments owned by their late father, Mustafa Öz.
2020: Oz Praises Fauci's Pandemic Response
In 2020, Mehmet Oz initially praised Anthony Fauci's role in combating the pandemic.
2020: Moved to Pennsylvania
In late 2020, Oz moved to Pennsylvania and changed his voter registration to his in-laws' home in Bryn Athyn. He also acquired a Pennsylvanian driver's license and a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit.
March 22, 2021: Guest Hosts Jeopardy!
Beginning on March 22, 2021, Mehmet Oz guest-hosted the trivia television game show Jeopardy! for two weeks, which was met with criticism.
November 30, 2021: Oz Announces Senate Candidacy
On November 30, 2021, Mehmet Oz announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate seat in Pennsylvania for the 2022 election.
2021: Oz Praises Fauci's Pandemic Response
In 2021, Mehmet Oz initially praised Anthony Fauci's role in combating the pandemic.
2021: Oz Identifies as Conservative Republican
Making his 2022 Senate campaign announcement in late 2021, Mehmet Oz identified himself as a "conservative Republican".
January 14, 2022: The Dr. Oz Show Final Episode
On January 14, 2022, The Dr. Oz Show aired its final episode after over a decade on the air.
February 2022: Supports red flag-style laws
In February 2022, Oz expressed his support for red flag-style laws for those expressing dangerous behavior, while opposing a national red flag law registry.
March 2022: Oz Claims Carbon Dioxide is Not the Problem
During a March 2022 campaign event, Mehmet Oz claimed that carbon dioxide is "not the problem" regarding climate change.
March 2022: Oz Fired from President's Council
In March 2022, Mehmet Oz was fired from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition because of his candidacy for public office.
April 9, 2022: Trump Endorses Oz's Senate Campaign
On April 9, 2022, Donald Trump endorsed Mehmet Oz's campaign for the U.S. Senate.
April 2022: Supports Legislation on Transgender Athletes
In April 2022, Oz supported legislation to prohibit transgender people from participating in sports divided by gender-based categories rather than sex-based categories.
May 2022: Oz Believes Life Starts at Conception
During a telephone town hall in May 2022, Mehmet Oz said: "I do believe life starts at conception... If life starts at conception, why do you care what stage our hearts starts beating at? It's, you know, it's still murder."
May 2022: Columbia Cuts Ties with Oz
In May 2022, Columbia University cut ties with Mehmet Oz and removed his presence from their website.
May 2022: Fetterman Suffers Stroke
In May 2022, John Fetterman, Oz's rival candidate, suffered a stroke and needed time to recover during the campaign.
May 2022: False Science claims in transgender movement
In May 2022, Oz stated that a transgender youth movement is based on "false science," while not supporting a ban on hormone blockers, leaving the decision to doctors and families.
June 2022: Oz Relieved by Supreme Court's Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
In June 2022, Mehmet Oz said he was "relieved" by the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
August 2022: Oz Campaign Mocks Fetterman's Stroke Recovery
In late August 2022, the Oz campaign released a list of mock debate concessions for John Fetterman, and made a statement about Fetterman's stroke recovery, resulting in controversy.
September 2022: Oz Calls for Debate with Fetterman
In September 2022, Mehmet Oz called on John Fetterman to participate in a debate before early voting began in Pennsylvania on September 19. Fetterman agreed to debate Oz in "the middle to end of October".
October 2022: Oz Believes States Should Regulate Abortions
In October 2022, Mehmet Oz said that "women, doctors, local political leaders" should put "ideas forward so states can decide for themselves" how to regulate abortions, but also clarified that "I don't want the federal government involved with that, at all".
October 2022: Oz Would Potentially Support Death Penalty for Fentanyl Dealers
In an October 2022 interview, Mehmet Oz said that he would "potentially" support the death penalty for dealers of fentanyl.
November 9, 2022: Oz Concedes Defeat in Senate Election
On November 9, 2022, Mehmet Oz conceded defeat to John Fetterman in the Senate election.
2022: Identifies as Secular Muslim
As of 2022, Oz identifies as a "secular Muslim", aligning his personal Muslim religious views with Sufism and opposing Sharia law in the US. He also stated that the U.S. was founded on Judeo-Christian values.
2022: Oz Takes "Tough on China" Stance
In 2022, Mehmet Oz adopted a "tough on China" stance, mirroring the Trump wing of the Republican Party, and he criticized his rival David McCormick's business links to mainland China during his primary campaign.
2022: Runs for U.S. Senate
In 2022, Mehmet Oz ran in the U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania as a Republican but lost to John Fetterman.
2022: Oz Supports Fracking to Reduce Gasoline Prices
In 2022, Mehmet Oz said that he supports the process of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") and believes that natural gas can help the United States become energy independent and reduce gasoline prices.
2022: Oz Pressured to Recognize Armenian Genocide
In 2022, Mehmet Oz was pressured by members of the Armenian-American community to specifically recognize the Armenian genocide.
2022: Political Campaign on Presentation Withdrawal
In 2022, Mehmet Oz's political campaign addressed the 2003 incident regarding the withdrawal of his presentation, citing an extension of the work with more patients as the reason.
2022: Opposes Affordable Care Act
In 2022, Oz stated he would vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act if elected and supported Medicare Advantage Plus. He also stated individuals do not have a right to health but have a right to access to health.
2022: Supports Israel
In 2022, Oz voiced his support for Israel as "an ally and a vibrant democracy", opposed the BDS Movement, supported keeping the US Embassy in Jerusalem, and advocated for continued military aid to Israel.
2022: Asked to Resign from Council
In 2022, President Joe Biden asked Mehmet Oz to resign from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition due to his Senate run, but Oz refused and was subsequently removed.
2022: Oz Describes Himself as Moderate Leader
In 2022, after his primary win, Mehmet Oz described himself as "a moderate leader, but not passive."
2022: The Dr. Oz Show ended
In 2022, the airing of The Dr. Oz Show ended.
2022: Opposes Recreational Cannabis
In 2022, while running for Senate, Oz opposed the legalization of recreational cannabis but supported it for medical purposes. He also supported President Joe Biden's effort to pardon those convicted of simple marijuana possession at the federal level.
2022: Oz Changes Tone on Fauci
In 2022, while running for the Senate, Mehmet Oz changed his tone on Anthony Fauci and referred to him as a "tyrant".
November 19, 2024: Oz Nominated for CMS Administrator
On November 19, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Mehmet Oz to serve as administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
2024: Accusation of Non-Disclosure
In 2024, Mehmet Oz was accused of not disclosing his role in the food supplement company iHerb, whose products he recommends.
February 2025: Oz Pledges to Sell Healthcare Stock Investments
In February 2025, Mehmet Oz pledged to sell his stock investments in healthcare companies if confirmed for the position of Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
April 8, 2025: Oz Assumes Office as CMS Administrator
On April 8, 2025, Mehmet Oz assumed office as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
April 18, 2025: Oz Ceremonially Sworn In
On April 18, 2025, Mehmet Oz was ceremonially sworn in as CMS Administrator by President Trump.
2025: Appointed CMS Administrator
In 2025, Mehmet Oz was appointed as the 17th administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
2025: Offers to Relocate Ostriches
In 2025, Oz offered to relocate a flock of 400 ostriches in British Columbia, which were set to be culled amid an Avian flu outbreak, to his ranch in Florida.
2025: Appointed to lead CMS
In 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Mehmet Oz to lead the CMS, and he was confirmed by the Senate.
January 2026: Civil Rights Complaint Filed Against Oz
In January 2026, a civil rights complaint against Mehmet Oz was filed by California government officials in reference to a video Oz posted accusing Armenian-owned businesses in Los Angeles of involvement with healthcare fraud.
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