Biden’s Physician Clarifies Parkinson’s Expert Visits to the White House

In response to growing speculation about President Joe Biden’s health, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s personal physician, explained why Dr. Kevin Cannard, a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease, had visited the White House eight times in the past eight months.

Dr. O’Connor’s letter sought to dispel concerns by outlining Dr. Cannard’s role as a long-serving “Neurology Consultant” for the White House Medical Unit (WHMU), a position he has held since 2012. According to O’Connor, Cannard’s visits were part of regular “Neurology Clinics” hosted at the White House to support active-duty military personnel involved in White House operations.

“Dr. Cannard has been the Neurology Consultant to the White House Medical Unit since 2012. He was chosen for his breadth of experience and expertise across the specialty of Neurology,” O’Connor wrote. He added that Cannard’s extensive background, including a fellowship in Movement Disorders at Emory University and over six years as a general neurologist, made him an invaluable asset to the WHMU.

The letter highlighted Cannard’s clinical skills and numerous teaching awards, emphasizing that his role at the White House Medical Clinic was focused on addressing neurological issues among military personnel. “Many military personnel experience neurological issues related to their service, and Dr. Cannard regularly visits the WHMU as part of this General Neurology practice,” O’Connor noted.

This clarification follows the release of White House visitor logs showing Cannard’s eight visits between July 2023 and March 2024. The revelation sparked questions during a press briefing, with reporters pressing White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the nature of these visits. Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden had seen a neurologist three times during his presidency, as part of his routine annual physicals.

“As I have written in each of the President’s medical reports, as part of the President’s annual physical, he sees a team of specialists that have included Optometry, Dentistry, Orthopedics (Foot and Ankle), Orthopedics (Spine), Physical Therapy, Neurology, Sleep Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology, and Dermatology,” O’Connor explained. “Dr. Cannard was the neurological specialist that examined President Biden for each of his annual physicals. His findings have been made public each time I have released the results of the President’s annual physical. President Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical.”

O’Connor’s comments come amidst increased scrutiny of Biden’s health, especially following his performance at the recent presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. Questions about Biden’s ability to serve another term have been raised by various Democrats, donors, and voters, further intensifying the spotlight on his medical history.

Adding to the controversy, O’Connor has been requested to appear before the House Oversight Committee for a “transcribed interview” regarding concerns that his medical assessments of Biden might have been influenced by his private business connections with the Biden family.