Personal Information
- Full Name: Mehmet Cengiz Oz
- Date of Birth: June 11, 1960
- Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Nationality: American and Turkish (dual citizenship)
- Ethnicity: Turkish
- Languages: English, Turkish
Family
- Parents: Mustafa Oz (a renowned Turkish surgeon) and Suna Oz (a pharmacist).
- Spouse: Lisa Oz (married in 1985), an author and radio/TV personality.
- Children: Four, including Daphne Oz, a chef and television host.
Education
- Undergraduate: Harvard University, Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1982).
- Medical Degree: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (MD, 1986).
- MBA: Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (1986).
Career Highlights
Medical
- Specialization: Cardiothoracic surgery and integrative medicine.
- Professional Positions:
- Attending surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
- Professor at Columbia University’s Department of Surgery until 2022.
- Co-founder of the Cardiovascular Institute and Integrative Medicine Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
- Innovations: Known for developing minimally invasive heart surgery techniques.
Television and Media
- Rose to prominence as a regular health expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2004.
- Launched The Dr. Oz Show in 2009, which aired until 2022.
- Known for making health and medical topics accessible to the public, though some of his advice and endorsements have been controversial.
Authorship
- Authored several best-selling books on health and wellness, including You: The Owner’s Manual series.
- Written articles for major publications and appeared as an editor in various health magazines.
Political Career
- 2022 U.S. Senate Campaign: Ran as a Republican candidate in Pennsylvania.
- Supported by high-profile figures, including Donald Trump.
- Lost the general election to Democratic candidate John Fetterman.
Awards and Recognition
- Included in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list in 2008.
- Recognized by Esquire as one of the 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century.
- Multiple Emmy Awards for his work on The Dr. Oz Show.
Controversies
- Criticized for promoting alternative medicine practices and unproven health products on his show.
- Faced scrutiny for endorsing weight-loss supplements, which led to a Senate hearing in 2014.
- Mixed reactions to his Senate campaign due to his shift from medicine to politics.
Philosophy and Influence
- Advocates for combining conventional and alternative medicine.
- Emphasizes the importance of preventive care and healthy living.
- Engaged in philanthropy and public health initiatives.