Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jun 12: US President Donald Trump underwent a comprehensive annual health examination involving 22 medical specialists, according to a report released by the White House, marking the highest number of doctors known to have participated in a presidential health assessment.
A White House official said several of the specialists were affiliated with leading institutions, including Harvard University and Duke University, while the team also included general physicians. The official stressed that the administration had "nothing to hide" regarding the president's health.
White House physician Sean Barbabella said the examination found Trump to be in "excellent health".
Officials explained that the large number of specialists was part of an extensive preventive healthcare evaluation aimed at providing a thorough assessment of the president's condition. They said experts from multiple medical disciplines were involved to identify and address any potential health concerns at an early stage.
"The involvement of multiple specialists reflects a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation consistent with best practices for executive-level medical care," the White House said.
The number of doctors involved in Trump's latest examination is significantly higher than that of previous presidents. Former President George H.W. Bush was examined by five specialists during his first presidential health check in 1989, while George W. Bush was assessed by 12 specialists during his first physical examination in 2001.
According to previous White House records, Trump was examined by 11 specialists during his 2019 checkup and 14 specialists during his annual physical last year. The latest assessment saw that number rise to 22.
However, the unusually large medical team has raised questions among some experts. Cardiologist Jonathan Reiner described the involvement of 22 specialists in a single examination as exceptional and questioned why so many doctors were required and which medical disciplines were represented.
The White House has faced scrutiny in the past over limited disclosures regarding Trump's health. Officials have also not provided a detailed explanation for a second medical examination Trump underwent at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last year, despite US presidents typically undergoing only one routine annual physical unless additional medical concerns arise.
The administration maintains that the expanded medical review reflects its commitment to ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the president's health.