President Joe Biden has officially appointed Kevin O’Connor, DO, a distinguished professor from George Washington University (GWU) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, as the Physician to the President. Dr. Kevin O’Connor, an expert in internal medicine and health, assumed this crucial role on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2021, marking a significant moment in his already impressive medical career.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor’s Background and Path to the White House
Prior to this prestigious appointment, Dr. O’Connor served as the Biden family’s personal physician since 2009, building a strong foundation of trust and understanding of the President’s health needs. In December 2019, Dr. Kevin O’Connor publicly affirmed Mr. Biden’s fitness for the presidency in a comprehensive health statement. He described his patient as a “healthy, vigorous, 77-year-old male who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,” reassuring the nation of the then-candidate’s robust health. More recently, Dr. O’Connor has been transparent in communicating about President Biden’s foot injury, underscoring the administration’s commitment to openness regarding the President’s health.
The Role of Physician to the President: Beyond Primary Care
The responsibilities of the Physician to the President extend far beyond those of a typical family doctor. Dr. Kevin O’Connor is now entrusted with the comprehensive health and well-being of the First Family, encompassing everything from preventative care and primary medical attention to nutritional guidance, exercise regimens, and readiness for any medical emergency. As Dr. O’Connor himself stated, “It’s a 24-7, 365-day, anywhere in the world kind of job,” highlighting the constant demands and global scope of this position.
While the White House Medical Unit, a team of approximately 60 professionals including nine physicians, provides extensive support, Dr. Kevin O’Connor is at the helm. He will frequently accompany the President on travels, taking on a role that diverges significantly from standard primary care. “When we are on a movement, we work hand-in-glove with the United States Secret Service for what’s called executive protective medicine,” Dr. O’Connor explained, “providing emergency medical planning and coverage for all of the president’s trips. That’s the part that makes it unique and different from the responsibilities of a typical primary care physician. That’s what makes it a tactical job.”
A Distinguished Career: Military Service and Academia
Dr. Kevin O’Connor’s journey to becoming Physician to the President is paved with remarkable achievements in both military service and academic medicine. He dedicated 22 years to the Army, serving with esteemed units including the 82nd Airborne Division, 75th Ranger Regiment, and United States Army Special Operations Command. His expertise in demanding environments led to his designation as a master flight surgeon in 2010. Academically, his publications often focus on critical aspects of battlefield medicine, specifically “point of wounding” care and “care under fire,” showcasing his commitment to advancing medical practices in high-pressure situations.
Reamer L. Bushardt, PharmD, PA-C, a professor and senior associate dean at GW SMHS, praised Dr. O’Connor’s return to the White House Medical Unit, stating, “Strengthened by the values instilled in him by his family and his experiences in the military, he views this new role as another opportunity to serve the country and his fellow Americans.” Bushardt further emphasized the significance of Dr. O’Connor’s appointment, noting, “I am encouraged that O’Connor, a GW physician who embraces science and evidence-based practice, has taken on the role and will lead the talented team in the White House Medical Unit with the values our university embraces, including integrity, collaboration, and respect.”
Commitment to Service and GW University
Despite the demanding nature of his White House role, Dr. Kevin O’Connor remains a faculty member at GWU, a testament to the collaborative relationship between the university and the federal government. An agreement under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act enables this dual commitment, reflecting GWU’s long history of contributing faculty expertise to various federal agencies.
Expressing his gratitude and sense of responsibility, Dr. O’Connor stated, “President Biden and the first lady have chosen to continue to place their trust and confidence in me as their physician. For that, I am genuinely humbled and will serve at their pleasure.” Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of his appointment, Dr. O’Connor humorously remarked on the presidential service dynamic, “every day my badge still works is a pleasant surprise,” underscoring his dedication to serving as long as he is needed.
