The ongoing investigation into President Joe Biden’s mental sharpness took a new turn as his former White House doctor, Kevin O’Connor, DO, appeared before the House Oversight Committee. During a private interview, O’Connor opted to invoke the Fifth Amendment, which allows individuals to decline to answer questions that might be incriminating, except when stating his name. This has left many people curious about the distinction between a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) and a doctor of medicine (MD).
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, explained that both DOs and MDs are equipped with the same skills, even when it involves recognizing mental decline or screening for conditions like prostate cancer. “He’s a DO and he’s a family practitioner,” Siegel pointed out, emphasizing that with such training, O’Connor should be well-versed in screening for prostate cancer. As the committee delves into matters regarding Biden’s mental state, Siegel noted that DO training should not diminish one’s medical expertise but instead adds osteopathic methods, such as manipulative treatment.
In Siegel’s words, a DO, like any family practitioner, should be capable of identifying cognitive decline. He remarked, “I’m not a specialist in that, but I can certainly screen for that.” Siegel also suggested that O’Connor should be proactive in addressing any signs of cognitive issues by consulting a neurologist. As president Biden’s White House physician, O’Connor was tasked with addressing the president’s medical needs, a role that encompasses both DO and MD responsibilities.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that DOs emphasize a holistic approach, focusing on the “mind, body, spirit connection.” While both DOs and MDs have similar educational backgrounds and can practice medicine nationwide, DOs are known for their holistic approach. They receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on diagnostic and treatment method, which complements the use of modern medical treatments.
The roots of osteopathic medicine trace back to 1892 when physician Andrew Taylor Still, MD, developed it after losing three children to spinal meningitis. Believing traditional treatments were ineffective, he pioneered a new approach. According to the Cleveland Clinic, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) involves techniques like manipulating muscles and joints to aid recovery.
In the U.S., there are currently more DOs practicing family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics than MDs, highlighting the growing popularity of the osteopathic approach. The American Osteopathic Association’s 2024 report indicates that the number of DOs has been increasing steadily, with nearly 70% of active DOs being under 45 and 45% being female.
Several U.S. presidents have had osteopathic physicians on their medical teams. Kevin O’Connor was appointed by Biden in 2021 and served until March 2025. Dr. Sean Barbabella, another DO, took over the role, bringing experience from his service in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as his previous position at the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point.
Dr. Sean Conley, also a DO, served as President Trump’s physician from 2018 to 2021. Meanwhile, some House GOP members, including former White House doctor Rep. Ronny Jackson, continue to scrutinize Biden’s aides regarding any potential cover-ups of his mental and physical health status. Allegations include whether any executive actions were signed without Biden’s full awareness, a claim his allies strongly deny.
