On Tuesday, President Joe Biden’s personal physician, Kevin O’Connor, clarified that Biden had not consulted a neurologist outside of his annual physical exams. This statement came in response to U.S. media reports suggesting a Parkinson’s specialist had made multiple visits to the White House.
O’Connor, in a letter published Monday, confirmed that neurological specialist Dr. Cannard has been conducting Biden’s annual physical exams for years. “Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical,” O’Connor emphasized. He explained that Dr. Cannard, who has been treating patients at the White House for over a decade, was not selected because of his specialization in movement disorders.
This clarification follows a contentious press conference where journalists pressed White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about Dr. Cannard’s frequent visits. The New York Times reported that Dr. Cannard had visited the White House eight times since last summer, based on official visitor logs. Jean-Pierre did not address why Cannard had been visiting so often in recent months.
O’Connor assured that the results of Dr. Cannard’s neurological examinations have been made public after each check-up, most recently at the end of February. The latest health report indicated no signs of strokes or Parkinson’s disease and stated that Biden showed “no tremor, either at rest or with activity,” according to the letter.
At 81, Biden has faced increasing scrutiny regarding his mental fitness, particularly following his TV debate with Republican challenger Donald Trump. This has sparked a national debate over whether Biden is suitable to be the Democratic presidential candidate for the upcoming November election due to his age. Despite the speculation, Biden has dismissed doubts and has refused to undergo a cognitive health test.
The White House’s recent statements aim to counter rumors of Parkinson’s disease. Jean-Pierre reiterated during the press briefing that President Biden is not being treated for the disease.
