Biography
Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Öz, born June 11, 1960 in Cleveland, Ohio, is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon, author, physician, television host, and politician.
He became widely known through “The Dr. Oz Show”, which aired from 2009 to 2022 and offered health and wellness advice that often combined traditional medicine with alternative methods. While the show made him famous, it also drew criticism for promoting pseudoscience.
Dr. Mehmet Oz graduated Harvard University before attending medical school at University of Pennsylvaniawhere he later became a professor. He completed his residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and was affiliated with Columbia University as professor of surgery.
In 2022, Oz entered the political arena, running for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania as a Republican. His campaign emphasized health policy but was also marked by controversy related to his media persona and past medical endorsements.
American TV personality
Dr. Mehmet Oz | |
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Dr. Mehmet Oz: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Events & About Data | |
Real name: | Mehmet Cengiz Oz |
Stage name: | Dr. Mehmet Oz |
Born: | June 11, 1960 (age 64) |
Place of birth: | Cleveland, Ohio, United States |
Nationality: | South Africa |
Education: | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, Tower Hill School |
Height: | 182cm |
Parents: | Mustafa Oz, Suna Oz |
Siblings: | Do not have |
Couple: | Lisa Oz (married 1985) |
Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
The children: | Daphne Oz, Arabella Sezen Oz, Zoe Yasemin Oz, Oliver Mustafa Oz |
Job: | Doctor • TV Personality |
Net worth: | $100 million – $315 million (USD) |
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 recognition of his family’s pride in their Turkish heritage. Although Oz identified with Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, he kept his faith private, especially during his political career.
Dr. Mehmet Oz graduated in 1986 with an MD from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. During his school years, he was actively involved in student government, serving as class president and student body president. To maintain his dual citizenship with Turkey, Oz fulfilled his mandatory military service by serving in the Turkish Army during the 1980s.
Although information about Oz’s siblings is limited, Oz’s strong connection to his Turkish roots is evident. He continued to visit Turkey until 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 foundation for his future achievements. He graduated with honors from Harvard University in 1982 with a degree in biology, a period that played a pivotal role in shaping his academic and intellectual development.
Next Harvard UniversityOz has pursued a unique path by simultaneously enrolling in Perelman School of Medicine and Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. This dual pursuit of an MD and MBA reflected his deep interest in both medicine and business. He completed both degrees in 1986, serving as class president and then student body president, highlighting his leadership abilities from the start.
His rigorous training at Perelman School of Medicineone of the oldest and most respected medical schools in the United States, provided him with a solid 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, communications, and politics.
Career
Dr. Mehmet Oz began his medical career by interning at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and eventually became a professor of surgery at Columbia UniversityKnown for his expertise in cardiovascular surgery, Oz is recognized for his advanced techniques in heart valve repair, cementing his reputation in the medical field.
A major turning point came in 2009 with the launch of The Dr. Oz Showbrought him national fame. His daytime television show, in which he discusses health, wellness, and lifestyle choices, often combining conventional medical advice with alternative methods, made him a household name. While the show was popular with many, it also faced criticism for promoting pseudoscience and unverified health claims. Despite these controversies, the show ran for 13 successful seasons, ending in 2022, making Oz one of the most recognized medical personalities in the United States.
In addition to television, Dr. Mehmet Oz is also active in health education. He founded Healtha nonprofit organization focused on improving the health of teens by teaching nutrition and fitness in schools. His books, including You: User manualco-written with Michael Roizen, became a bestseller, further expanding his impact on public health education.
In 2022, Oz turned to politics, running for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania as a Republican. His campaign emphasized health policy, drawing on his medical expertise. However, his media career and his endorsement of several health care products have caused controversy. Despite his high profile, he was defeated by John Fetterman, marking an important, if unsuccessful, chapter in his career.
After running for office, Dr. Mehmet Oz returned to the health and wellness industry. He has since taken on roles such as global advisor to 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.
Social media
- Wikipedia: Mehmet Oz
- Twitter: Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) · X
- Facebook: Dr. Mehmet Oz
- Instagram: Dr. Oz (@dr_oz)
- IMDb: Mehmet Oz
Personal life
Dr. Mehmet Oz has been married to Lisa Oz since 1985. Their romance began when her parents introduced them to each other, leading to their marriage after only six months of dating. Described as a fairytale romance, their long-lasting relationship has weathered many challenges. Lisa Oz has built a successful career in acting, writing, and hosting.
The couple have four children: Daphne Oz, the eldest, is a popular television presenter and author, known especially for her work “chew“; Arabella Sezen Oz is pursuing a career in filmmaking; Zoe Yasemin Oz works in the tech industry while also participating in the family’s media activities through social media; and Oliver Mustafa Oz, their only son, is following his father’s path to becoming a doctor.
Standing at around 6 feet tall, Dr. Mehmet Oz is often noted for his height in public appearances. Family plays a central role in his life, with his marriage to Lisa serving as a foundation for his political and media ventures. Their relationship is characterized by enduring strength and adaptability.
Net worth
Dr. Mehmet Oz, best known for his work as a cardiothoracic surgeon, television personality, and author, has amassed a substantial net worth estimated to be between $100 million and $315 million. This wealth is largely 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 unlisted shares worth more than $11.5 million.
Dr. Mehmet Oz’s financial disclosure for his Pennsylvania Senate campaign shows his wealth ranges from $104 million to possibly even more, underscoring his status as one of the wealthiest candidates in recent U.S. Senate races.