In response to recent media speculation, President Joe Biden’s personal physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, clarified on Tuesday that the President has not consulted any neurologist outside his routine annual physical exams. This clarification follows U.S. media reports suggesting frequent visits by a Parkinson’s specialist to the White House.
Dr. O’Connor’s letter, published on Monday, emphasized that Dr. Cannard, a neurological specialist, has conducted President Biden’s neurological assessments as part of his annual physical exams. Dr. O’Connor noted, “Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical.”
Dr. O’Connor also highlighted that Dr. Cannard has been visiting patients at the White House for over a decade and was not specifically chosen due to his expertise in movement disorders. This statement comes amid a heated debate that erupted during a press conference with journalists and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
According to the New York Times, official visitor logs revealed that Dr. Cannard has made eight visits to the White House since last summer. However, Jean-Pierre declined to answer questions regarding the frequent visits of Dr. Cannard in recent months.
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Dr. O’Connor assured that the results of Dr. Cannard’s neurological examinations are made public each year, most recently in February. The health report confirmed no signs of strokes or Parkinson’s disease, and it stated that President Biden showed “no tremor, either at rest or with activity.”
At 81, President Biden faces growing scrutiny over his mental fitness, particularly since his debate with Republican challenger Donald Trump. This scrutiny has fueled debates about his suitability as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming November election due to his age.
Despite the rising concerns, President Biden has dismissed doubts regarding his mental health and has refused to undergo a cognitive health test. The recent release of Dr. O’Connor’s letter seems to be an effort to quash any rumors of a potential Parkinson’s diagnosis. Jean-Pierre affirmed during the press briefing that President Biden is not being treated for Parkinson’s disease.
