After the conclusion of The Dr. Oz Show in January 2022, Dr. Mehmet Oz transitioned into a new chapter of his career that diverged from his role as a TV health expert and ventured into the political arena. His decision to end the long-running show coincided with his announcement to run for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania, a move that marked a significant shift from his media persona to political ambition.
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Dr. Oz’s Senate campaign was filled with high-profile endorsements and considerable controversy. Running as a Republican candidate, he focused on conservative positions, particularly related to healthcare, the economy, and immigration. Despite the support of figures like former President Donald Trump, his campaign faced challenges, including doubts about his ties to Pennsylvania and criticisms of his wealth and privileged background. These issues, coupled with some campaign missteps, ultimately led to his defeat by John Fetterman in November 2022.
Following his loss, Dr. Oz took a quieter approach to public life, particularly in the immediate months after the election. He gradually re-entered the public sphere, continuing to post clips from The Dr. Oz Show on social media and engaging in philanthropy through HealthCorps, the nonprofit organization he co-founded with his wife Lisa in 2003. HealthCorps, which focuses on promoting youth health and wellness, remains one of Oz’s primary initiatives. In recent months, he has been involved in launching new programs and fundraising events for the organization.
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Additionally, Dr. Oz has maintained his connection to his roots in Turkey, where he holds dual citizenship. In February 2023, following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Oz visited the region, posting updates on social media and highlighting relief efforts. His involvement in these humanitarian activities showcased his continued commitment to global health issues.
While his political aspirations have been put on hold, Dr. Oz remains active in promoting natural health remedies, which have long been his brand. He serves as a global advisor and stakeholder in iHerb, a supplement and health product distributor. This role aligns with his enduring interest in alternative medicine, a subject that fueled much of the controversy during his time as a television host.
In summary, while Dr. Mehmet Oz’s post-show life has been marked by a political setback, he continues to pursue his passion for health advocacy, both domestically and internationally. His career remains a blend of philanthropy, media engagement, and health promotion, although his influence has somewhat receded compared to his peak years on television. Whether he decides to return to politics or refocus entirely on his health ventures remains to be seen.
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