Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Nicole Elizabeth Saphier (née Berardoni) |
| Born | January 26, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Scottsdale (raised), Phoenix (born), Arizona, USA |
| Age | 44 years old (2026) |
| Nationality | American (Italian heritage) |
| Education | Arizona State University (B.A.); Ross University School of Medicine (M.D., 2008); Maricopa Integrated Health Systems (Radiology Residency, 5 years); Mayo Clinic Arizona (Oncological Imaging Fellowship) |
| Profession | Radiologist, medical journalist, author, former Fox News contributor |
| Current Clinical Role | Director of Breast Imaging, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Monmouth, NJ |
| Academic Role | Associate Professor of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine |
| Media Career | Fox News Medical Contributor 2018–2026 (contract ended after Surgeon General nomination) |
| Books | Make America Healthy Again (2020, NYT Bestseller), Panic Attack (2021), Love, Mom (2024) |
| Husband | Dr Paul Saphier (neurosurgeon) |
| Children | Three sons — Nick (born 2002), Hudson, and one more |
| Major 2026 News | Nominated by President Trump as US Surgeon General (April 30, 2026) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million – $5 million (2026) |
Who Is Dr Nicole Saphier?
Dr Nicole Saphier is an American board-certified radiologist, bestselling author, television medical contributor, and — as of April 2026 — the nominee to serve as the next US Surgeon General, nominated by President Donald Trump.
She credibly occupies two demanding professional worlds simultaneously: a full-time clinical and academic career at one of the world’s most prestigious cancer treatment centres, and a nationally visible media presence explaining medicine to millions of viewers. She built both through talent, work ethic, and a willingness to speak plainly on contested medical topics.
Her story is also personally remarkable: she became pregnant at 17, chose to have her child as a high school student, and went on to earn a medical degree, a fellowship at Mayo Clinic, a directorship at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and a national platform — without apology for any part of her journey.
Early Life and Background
Nicole Elizabeth Berardoni was born on January 26, 1982, in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised in Scottsdale. Her father was an attorney; her mother was a licensed counselor working with abused and mentally challenged children. She is of Italian heritage — a point of personal pride — with extended family operating businesses in upstate New York and Southern Pennsylvania.
The defining event of her teenage years was discovering she was pregnant at 17. She chose to have her son, Nick, born in 2002, declining abortion despite social pressure. She has described it as one of the best decisions of her life. Her grandmother’s death from late-stage breast cancer — caused partly by the woman’s reluctance to seek medical attention — became the direct catalyst for Nicole’s focus on women’s health and breast imaging.
Education
Nicole attended Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts. She then attended the Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, graduating with her M.D. in 2008. She completed a five-year Radiology Residency at Maricopa Integrated Health Systems in Arizona, followed by a fellowship in Oncological Imaging with a focus on Breast Imaging at Mayo Clinic Arizona — one of the most respected programmes in the subspecialty.
Her educational journey — from community university to Caribbean medical school to Mayo Clinic fellowship — reflects a non-traditional path that she has navigated through consistent performance rather than institutional prestige at entry.
Career
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Dr Saphier serves as Director of Breast Imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Monmouth in New Jersey and Associate Professor of Radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. She leads a specialist team in breast cancer detection, contributes to patient advocacy, and sits on the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women and the New Jersey Department of Health advisory team. In 2019, she was named Top Radiologist of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals.
Fox News (2018–2026)
Dr Saphier joined Fox News as a medical contributor in 2018, appearing on Fox & Friends, Outnumbered, and Mornings with Maria. She became one of the network’s most frequent health voices, contributing to a virtual COVID-19 town hall with President Trump and White House Task Force members in March 2020. After her Surgeon General nomination in April 2026, Fox News terminated her contributor contract — standard practice for contributors taking official government positions.
Books
She has authored three books: Make America Healthy Again (2020, NYT national bestseller), Panic Attack: Playing Politics with Science in the Fight Against COVID-19 (2021), and Love, Mom (2024, Fox News Books) — stories celebrating motherhood.
Surgeon General Nomination (2026)
On April 30, 2026, President Trump nominated Dr Saphier to serve as US Surgeon General, withdrawing Casey Means’s prior nomination. Her nomination has drawn both support and opposition, including from within the Make America Healthy Again movement.
Personal Life
Dr Saphier is married to Dr Paul Saphier, a neurosurgeon specialising in endovascular procedures. They met during medical school at Ross University. She had already begun raising her first son, Nick, when they met. Together they have two additional sons, including Hudson, who was diagnosed with a schwannoma (a typically benign nerve-sheath tumour) on his back in 2023. The family lives in the Greater New York City area.
Dr Nicole Saphier’s Net Worth in 2026
Estimated between $1.5 million and $5 million, built across:
- Medical directorship — estimated $450,000–$530,000 annually as Director at MSKCC and Associate Professor at Weill Cornell
- Fox News contributor fees — estimated $200,000–$400,000 annually at her level of visibility (now ended)
- Book royalties — three published books including one NYT bestseller
- Speaking engagements — senior medical experts with her profile command significant conference fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr Nicole Saphier’s net worth? Estimated $1.5 million to $5 million in 2026, from her medical directorship, Fox News role, book royalties, and speaking engagements.
What is Dr Nicole Saphier nominated for? President Trump nominated her as US Surgeon General on April 30, 2026.
Who is Dr Nicole Saphier’s husband? Dr Paul Saphier, a neurosurgeon, whom she met at Ross University School of Medicine.
How many children does Dr Nicole Saphier have? Three sons. Nick was born when she was 18. She has two more sons with Dr Paul Saphier.
What books has Dr Nicole Saphier written? Make America Healthy Again (2020, NYT Bestseller), Panic Attack (2021), and Love, Mom (2024).
Where does Dr Nicole Saphier work? Director of Breast Imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Monmouth, NJ, and Associate Professor of Radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Summary
Dr Nicole Saphier’s life is defined by parallel achievements that most people would consider separately remarkable. She became a mother at 17 and went on to earn a medical degree, a fellowship at Mayo Clinic, and a directorship at one of the world’s most prestigious cancer centres. She built a national media presence without abandoning clinical practice. She authored three books, including a New York Times bestseller. And in April 2026, the President of the United States nominated her as Surgeon General. Her estimated net worth of $1.5 million to $5 million reflects sustained, disciplined achievement across medicine, media, and public life — built one careful decision at a time.
