President Joe Biden ‘healthy’ and fit for office says doctor with men in white coats standing either side

Biden – the oldest president in American history – underwent a detailed five-hour medical the day before his 79th birthday, which included a battery of blood, physical, gastrointestinal, dental, vision, and neurological examinations.

In a history-making moment, he also briefly transferred power to Vice President Kamala Harris while he had a colonoscopy, making her the first woman to ever hold the presidential reigns.

Ms Harris, the first woman, first black person, and first person of South Asian descent to be vice president, was – for one hour and 25 minutes – acting president while Mr Biden was under anaesthesia.

Dr Kevin O’Connor, who has been Mr Biden’s primary doctor since 2009, wrote a six-page memo which was released by the White House stating the president “remains a healthy, vigorous, 78-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency”.

Read more: President Joe Biden ‘healthy’ and fit for office says doctor with men in white coats standing either side