Dr Oz Net Worth, Background, and How He Became a Household Name

Dr. Mehmet Oz has officially made the leap from TV doctor to political power player. As President-Elect Donald Trump assembles his new administration, he’s named the 64-year-old heart surgeon and former talk show host to oversee Medicare and Medicaid, two of the largest health insurance programs in the United States.

In a statement, Trump called Oz a “World-Class Communicator” and “eminent Physician” who could help “Make America Healthy Again.” The move comes amid growing concerns about the future of healthcare access for over 150 million Americans who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Let’s take a closer look at how Dr. Oz rose to prominence, his personal life, his estimated net worth in 2025, and what this appointment means for American healthcare.

From Surgeon to Celebrity

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1960, Mehmet Cengiz Oz is the son of Turkish immigrants. His father, Mustafa Oz, was a practicing surgeon, and from a young age, Mehmet was drawn to the field. An accomplished student and athlete, he earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard University before pursuing an MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Impressively, he also completed an MBA from UPenn’s Wharton School, making him one of the first students to earn both degrees simultaneously.

Dr. Oz completed his surgical training in cardiothoracic surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia University Campus) and went on to become a professor at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, a title he held from 2001 until 2018 before becoming Professor Emeritus.

However, it was his media career that brought him into millions of households. In 2003, he launched his first show, Second Opinion With Dr. Oz, on the Discovery Channel. But it was his guest appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show starting in 2004 that made him a household name. Oprah dubbed him “America’s Doctor,” and in 2009, The Dr. Oz Show launched in national syndication. The show ran for over 12 years and won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards before ending in January 2022.

Why Dr. Oz Left TV — and What Led to His Political Move

Dr. Oz ended his daytime show not due to ratings, but to run for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022. He lost the race to Democrat John Fetterman, despite spending more than $27 million of his own money on the campaign. The political ambition didn’t end there. In 2025, Trump selected him to oversee Medicaid and Medicare, putting him at the center of America’s most critical health policy decisions.

Oz’s rise has not been without controversy. Over the years, he has faced criticism for promoting questionable health products, including so-called “miracle” weight-loss pills and endorsing hydroxychloroquine as a potential COVID-19 treatment — positions that raised eyebrows among medical professionals.

Dr. Oz’s Net Worth in 2025

Despite his new role in public service, Dr. Oz is extremely unlikely to ever rely on the programs he now oversees. According to financial disclosures from his 2022 Senate run, Dr. Oz’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $100 million and $315 million.

Here’s a breakdown of his income streams and investments:

• Television & Media: 13 years on The Dr. Oz Show, plus appearances and specials.
• Book Sales: He has authored or co-authored over 20 million books.
• Speaking Engagements: Reportedly earns between $125,000 and $150,000 per appearance.
• Investments: Includes holdings in companies like Wawa, and up to $500,000 in cattle.
• Real Estate: Owns multiple homes, including a property valued between $5 million and $25 million.

Personal Life

Dr. Oz is currently 64 years old and married to Lisa Oz, an author and TV/radio personality. The couple has been together since 1985 and shares four children, including Daphne Oz, a well-known television host and chef.

Despite his Turkish-American heritage, Oz has maintained dual citizenship, though he committed to renouncing his Turkish citizenship if elected to the Senate in 2022—a move that became a minor issue during his campaign.

What’s Next for Healthcare Under Dr. Oz?

With control over Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare, Dr. Oz will influence programs that provide healthcare to more than 150 million Americans — including low-income families, children, people with disabilities, and seniors over 65. Critics worry about his limited policy experience and controversial medical views, while supporters argue his communication skills and medical background make him uniquely qualified.

Whether or not Dr. Oz can shift from TV medicine to national healthcare reform remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: he’s no longer just “America’s Doctor” — he’s now one of the most powerful figures in U.S. healthcare.