Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Öz, born on June 11, 1960, in Cleveland, Ohio, is a prominent cardiothoracic surgeon, author, physician, television personality, and political figure.
He became widely known through “The Dr. Oz Show,” which aired from 2009 to 2022 and featured health and wellness advice that often blended traditional medicine with alternative practices. While the show made him a household name, it also sparked criticism for promoting pseudoscience.
Dr. Mehmet Oz graduated from Harvard University before attending medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, where he later became a professor. He completed his residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and has been affiliated with Columbia University as a professor of surgery.
In 2022, Oz entered the political arena, running for the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania as a Republican. His campaign emphasized health policy but was also marked by controversy related to his media persona and past health endorsements.
Early Life
Dr. Mehmet Oz was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 11, 1960, to Turkish immigrant parents, Suna Öz and Mustafa Öz. His father, Mustafa Öz, graduated from Cerrahpaşa Medical School in Turkey before moving to the United States, where he became a cardiologist.
Mehmet was named after Mehmed the Conqueror (Mehmed II), a nod to his family’s pride in their Turkish heritage. Though Oz identifies with Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, he has largely kept his faith private, particularly during his political career.
Dr. Mehmet Oz graduated in 1986 with an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business. During his school years, he was active in student leadership, serving as both class president and student body president. To maintain his dual citizenship with Turkey, Oz fulfilled a mandatory service requirement by serving in the Turkish Army during the 1980s.
While there is limited information on his siblings, Oz‘s strong connection to his Turkish roots is evident. His visits to Turkey continued as recently as 2024 when he traveled there with his mother, Suna Öz.
Education
Dr. Mehmet Oz‘s educational journey began at Tower Hill School in Delaware, where he laid the groundwork for his future achievements. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1982 with a degree in biology, a period that played a key role in shaping his academic and intellectual growth.
Following Harvard, Oz pursued a distinctive path by simultaneously enrolling in the Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. This dual pursuit of an M.D. and an MBA reflected his deep interest in both healthcare and business. He completed both degrees in 1986, serving as class president and later student body president, highlighting his leadership abilities early on.
His rigorous training at the Perelman School of Medicine, one of the oldest and most respected medical schools in the U.S., provided him with a strong foundation in medical science. Dr. Mehmet Oz‘s MBA from Wharton equipped him with strategic business acumen, a combination that would later shape his career in health education, media, and politics.
Career
Dr. Mehmet Oz launched his medical career with a residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and eventually became a professor of surgery at Columbia University. Known for his expertise in cardiothoracic surgery, Oz gained recognition for his innovative techniques in heart valve repair, solidifying his reputation in the medical field.
A major turning point came in 2009 with the debut of The Dr. Oz Show, which brought him national fame. The daytime television program, where he discussed health, wellness, and lifestyle choices, often blending conventional medical advice with alternative practices, made him a household name. While the show enjoyed immense popularity, it also faced criticism for promoting pseudoscience and unverified health claims. Despite these controversies, the show ran for 13 successful seasons, ending in 2022, establishing Oz as one of America’s most recognized health figures.
Beyond television, Dr. Mehmet Oz has been active in health education. He founded HealthCorps, a nonprofit focused on improving teen health by teaching nutrition and fitness in schools. His books, including You: The Owner’s Manual, co-authored with Michael Roizen, became bestsellers, further expanding his impact on public health education.
In 2022, Oz transitioned into politics, running for the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania as a Republican. His campaign emphasized health policy, drawing on his medical expertise. However, his media career and previous endorsements of certain health products sparked controversy. Despite his high profile, he was defeated by John Fetterman, marking a significant, though unsuccessful, chapter in his career.
Following his political bid, Dr. Mehmet Oz returned to the health and wellness sector. He has since taken on roles such as global advisor for iHerb, a health and wellness company, maintaining his influence in the industry. Through social media and public appearances, he continues to engage with audiences, focusing on health education and personal wellness.
Personal Life
Dr. Mehmet Oz has been married to Lisa Oz since 1985. Their romance began when her parents introduced them, leading to a marriage after just six months of dating. Described as a storybook romance, their long-term relationship has navigated various challenges. Lisa Oz has carved out her successful acting, writing, and hosting career.
The couple has four children: Daphne Oz, the eldest, is a well-known TV host and author, notably recognized for her work on “The Chew“; Arabella Sezen Oz has pursued a career in filmmaking; Zoe Yasemin Oz works in the tech industry while also engaging with the family’s media presence through social media; and Oliver Mustafa Oz, their only son, is following his father’s path toward becoming a physician.
Standing approximately 6 feet tall, Dr. Mehmet Oz is often noted for his height in public appearances. The family has played a central role in his life, with his marriage to Lisa being a cornerstone of support through his ventures into politics and media. Their relationship has been characterized by its enduring strength and ability to adapt.
Net Worth
Dr. Mehmet Oz, renowned for his work as a cardiothoracic surgeon, television personality, and author, has accumulated a substantial net worth estimated between $100 million and $315 million. This wealth is primarily due to his long-running television show, “The Dr. Oz Show,” which aired for 13 seasons, along with his numerous book deals, speaking engagements, and investments.
Oz‘s financial portfolio includes significant investments in major companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, as well as extensive real estate holdings across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. His financial ties also extend through his marriage to the Asplundh family, known for their tree-trimming business, where he holds non-public stock valued at over $11.5 million.
Dr. Mehmet Oz‘s financial disclosure during his Senate campaign in Pennsylvania revealed assets ranging from $104 million to potentially much higher, underscoring his position as one of the wealthiest candidates in recent U.S. Senate races.
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