President Joe Biden underwent a neurological exam at the White House on Jan. 17, which was later included in his annual physical results more than a month later, according to the White House on Tuesday. This confirmation followed press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s initial inaccurate statement during a briefing that the Jan. 17 meeting was not related to the president’s care, in response to a question from the Associated Press. The question arose regarding a meeting reported in the White House visitors’ logs between neurologist Dr. Kevin Cannard and Biden’s personal doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, which was the only meeting between them between July 2023 and March of this year. The scrutiny heightened as Cannard had visited the White House eight times during that period.
In a statement, Jean-Pierre clarified that the Jan. 17 meeting between Dr. O’Connor and Dr. Cannard was indeed for the President’s physical. She emphasized that Biden had seen Dr. Cannard three times, solely for his physicals, with all findings released to the public. The White House has faced repeated clarifications concerning Biden’s health following recent concerns about his fitness to serve, especially after a debate incident. Last week, Jean-Pierre had mentioned Biden did not consult a doctor for a noticeable cold post-debate, but Biden later confirmed a check-up with his doctor. The statement aimed to differentiate between a full medical exam and routine check-ins the President undergoes a few times a week.
The White House later disclosed details about Cannard’s visits after initially declining to confirm his identity or the purpose of his visits. It was confirmed that Cannard had conducted neurological exams for Biden during his three physicals as President. However, Jean-Pierre stated that information she shared earlier matched what was eventually stated in O’Connor’s letter. Despite facing scrutiny, Jean-Pierre affirmed their commitment to providing accurate information during briefings, acknowledging instances of errors and lack of information.
The clarification also shed light on how portions of Biden’s annual physical can be carried out over an extended period at various locations including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. O’Connor’s report on Biden’s physical results included details of a neurological exam ruling out various central neurological disorders, and no signs of cervical myelopathy. The continuous presence of Cannard in the White House visitors’ logs raised eyebrows due to his expertise in movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Yet, Jean-Pierre firmly denied any treatment for Parkinson’s disease for Biden, stating he was not being treated for it or on medication.
Dr. Cannard has served as the neurology consultant for the White House medical unit for twelve years, with O’Connor highlighting regular neurology clinics held at the White House to support active-duty members assigned there for White House operations.
