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In light of the ongoing investigation into Joe Biden’s mental sharpness, his former personal physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, appeared before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C., this week.
During a closed-door interview with committee staff and chairman James Comer, R-Ky., O’Connor chose to invoke the Fifth Amendment for all questions, except for confirming his name.
Following this development, many are curious about the distinction between a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) and a doctor of medicine (MD).
According to Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst at Fox News, both a DO and an MD possess the same capabilities, including the ability to identify cognitive decline and screen for conditions such as prostate cancer.
“He’s a DO and a family practitioner,” explained Siegel. “With his training, he should be equipped to screen for prostate cancer.”
Former President Joe Biden’s White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, is pictured here with Biden during a hearing as part of an investigation into Biden’s mental decline. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)
Siegel emphasized that training as a DO does not detract from medical education; rather, it adds osteopathic methods such as manipulative treatment.
“I’m trained to identify cognitive decline,” Siegel stated. “Although I’m not a specialist in the area, I can certainly screen for it. The same should apply to a family practitioner who attended an osteopathic school.”
He added, “He should be able to recognize, ‘Hey, [Biden] is experiencing cognitive decline. Let’s bring in a neurologist.'”
Dr. O’Connor’s role as the White House physician involved addressing the medical needs of the president.
DOs place a greater emphasis on the connection between mind, body, and spirit, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
While MDs and DOs undergo similar training, perform the same duties, can prescribe medication, and practice anywhere in the country, DOs typically approach medicine from a more holistic perspective.
Both DOs and MDs receive comparable training and can administer modern medical treatments. However, DOs may have a more holistic approach to medicine. (iStock)
According to the Cleveland Clinic, osteopathic medicine focuses on treating patients as a whole and enhancing wellness through education and preventive measures.
DOs also receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating patients.
While this alternative training and approach do not dictate a doctor’s practice, DOs utilize various modern medical treatments, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic. MDs can also provide comprehensive, preventive care.
DO training was established in 1892 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, MD, who reevaluated his medical philosophy after the Civil War. Disheartened by the inefficacy of traditional treatments in the face of spinal meningitis, which claimed the lives of three of his children, he developed the concept of osteopathic medicine.
“Osteopathic manipulative medicine, or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), involves manipulating (touching or moving) your muscles, bones and joints,” Cleveland Clinic notes. (iStock)
As of 2023, there were 154 allopathic medical schools and 38 osteopathic medicine schools in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic.
A report from the American Osteopathic Association in 2024 revealed that 57% of DOs practice family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, compared to 28% of MDs.
The number of DOs in the U.S. has been steadily increasing over the past decade. Nearly 70% of practicing DOs are under 45 years old, with 45% being female.
In recent years, several U.S. presidents have been cared for by osteopathic physicians.
O’Connor was appointed by Biden in 2021 and served as the White House physician until March 2025.
Dr. Sean Barbabella, DO, assumed the position in March 2025. A decorated Navy physician who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, Barbabella previously led the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina.
Dr. Sean Conley, DO, served as Trump’s physician from 2018 to 2021.
House GOP members, including Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, a former White House doctor, are investigating allegations that Biden’s former top aides concealed signs of his mental and physical decline while in office. They are also looking into whether any executive actions were authorized via autopen without the president’s full knowledge.
Biden’s allies have been pushing back against these claims.
Reporting contributed by Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind.
In a recent development, a new study has found that chocolate may have some health benefits. The study, published in a reputable medical journal, suggests that consuming small amounts of dark chocolate on a regular basis can help improve heart health.
Researchers found that dark chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. This can ultimately lead to a lower risk of heart disease.
However, it is important to note that the benefits of chocolate are most pronounced when consuming dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. Milk chocolate and other varieties with lower cocoa content may not provide the same health benefits.
Despite these findings, experts warn against consuming large amounts of chocolate, as it is still high in calories and sugar. Moderation is key when incorporating chocolate into a balanced diet.
Overall, this study adds to growing evidence that dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can be a part of a healthy diet. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.
