President Joe Biden’s doctor on Thursday said the US leader is a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old man” who remains healthy after a physical examination at Walter Reed National Medical Center.
“President Biden remains a healthy, energetic, 80-year-old man who is fit to carry out the duties of the President, including that of Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief,” Dr. Kevin O’Connor wrote in a statement after a thorough examination of the president.
O’Connor said the “most important interval in history” since Biden’s last physical in November 2021 was last year’s COVID infection.
Biden tested positive for COVID on July 21, then experienced a relapse of the coronavirus nine days later. O’Connor said the fact that Biden had been vaccinated with two booster shots meant he had only mild symptoms. Biden also received the antiviral drug Paxlovid.
“The president has not experienced any residual symptoms that could be considered ‘Long COVID,'” O’Connor said.
O’Connor said Biden underwent skin cancer screening and “one small lesion” on his chest was removed and sent for biopsy.
The doctor added that Biden maintains an active exercise regimen at least five days a week and does not consume alcohol or cigarettes.
During the physical, Biden underwent a thorough neurological exam, which appeared “reassuring,” doctors said.
“There were no findings consistent with cerebellar or other central neurological disorders, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or ascending lateral sclerosis,” O’Connor said.
Biden also received treatment for several other conditions, including a stiff gait and high cholesterol.
The doctor noted that Biden continued to sometimes show “symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, especially the need to clear the throat more often,” adding that the lung examination remained clear.
Biden’s age has been a subject of scrutiny as he considers his re-election bid. Biden, who will be 86 at the end of a potential second term, has dismissed concerns about his age, telling PBS’s Judy Woodruff in a recent interview: “Watch me.”
“Look, I’m a person who respects fate,” he said earlier this month. “I will be completely honest with the American people if I think there is a health problem, anything that will prevent me from doing the job.”
Biden’s height is measured at 6 feet and his weight is 178 pounds.
Nikki Haley, the former US ambassador to the UN, officially launched her 2024 presidential campaign this week, calling for “a new generation of leaders.”
“You don’t have to be 80 years old to get to Washington,” Haley said told NBC’s Craig Melvinin a veiled jab at Biden and 2024 GOP rival Donald Trump, who is 76.