However, medical experts have suggested the president has some symptoms consistent with Parkinson’s and there are calls for him to take a public test to demonstrate his ability to discharge his role as commander-in-chief.
Mr Biden hit back during a media blitz, calling in to MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Monday to insist that every day as president amounted to a neurological exam and said people questioning his fitness “drives me nuts”.
Dr O’Connor, the White House doctor, who met Dr Cannard in January, also released a letter to quash speculation over Mr Biden’s condition.
“President Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical,” Dr O’Connor said, adding the “extremely detailed” exam had not detected any “central neurological disorder”.
However, Dr O’Connor’s “independence” has been questioned by Republicans in the House of Representatives, who cited “mixed and confused messaging” from the White House as they demanded he explain whether or not he can provide “accurate and independent” assessments of Mr Biden’s health.
A former army colonel on the White House medical staff, Dr O’Connor first acted as Mr Biden’s official government doctor while he was serving as Mr Obama’s vice president.
He also assisted in the treatment of Mr Biden’s eldest son, Beau, following his terminal brain cancer diagnosis.
The doctor described the Biden clan as “a really important part of my life” in a farewell letter when Mr Biden left the vice presidency in Jan 2017.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
