Left-wing host Mehdi Hasan recently questioned Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed about his use of the title ‘physician’ despite lacking a valid state medical license. This inquiry took place during a Zeteo interview, as El-Sayed competes in a closely monitored primary election.

Mehdi Hasan pointed out the controversy surrounding El-Sayed’s title, stating, ‘You got attacked by your rivals for calling yourself a physician, even though you don’t have a valid state medical license in New York or Michigan, which apparently is what you need legally to call yourself a physician.’ Hasan then asked, ‘Do you wish you’d just stuck to calling yourself a doctor, which you are, to avoid all of this controversy and attacks on your physician status?’

El-Sayed responded by emphasizing that the focus should be on providing quality education, rather than the debate over his medical title. He remarked, ‘At the end of the day, it’s not about whether or not I’m a physician or a doctor. It’s not about my education. It’s about whether or not your kid gets a good education.’

Hasan countered, noting that truthfulness is also a critical aspect of the issue. El-Sayed’s rivals have criticized him for labeling himself as a ‘physician’ when his qualifications do not meet the legal requirement. During the interview, El-Sayed defended his record in public health, claiming his contributions through government service have benefited more people than traditional clinical practice. He stated, ‘I’ve done more to provide more people healthcare or eliminate their medical debt than most doctors have done in their practice career.’

El-Sayed, a graduate of Columbia University, explained that he took his medical education in a different direction after his studies. He mentioned the name of his alma mater, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, as a point in his defense.

Another contentious issue brought to light by Hasan concerns El-Sayed’s personal financial disclosure. He questioned the candidate about delaying his disclosure until after the primary election, asking if the postponement was to avoid voter scrutiny. El-Sayed attributed the delay to the complexities of his family taxes and overseas property holdings.

Bridge Michigan reported that El-Sayed filed for an extension, which deferred his 2026 personal financial disclosure until August 13, post-primary. This extension raised questions, as Rep. Haley Stevens criticized El-Sayed for not being transparent with voters regarding his finances. In response, El-Sayed committed during a WOOD-TV debate to disclose these details before the August primary following Stevens’ insistence.

Stevens’ campaign urged El-Sayed to fulfill his promise to Michigan voters. Arik Wolk, communications director for Haley Stevens for Senate, pressed, ‘What is he hiding?’