Health
Joe Biden's osteopathic doctor pleads the Fifth on mental acuity: DO vs MD
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As the probe into Joe Biden’s mental acuity continues, the former president’s personal physician, Kevin O’Connor, DO, made an appearance this week in Washington, D.C., in front of the House Oversight Committee.
O’Connor sat down for a closed-door interview on Wednesday with committee staff and panel chair James Comer, R-Ky. — but O’Connor invoked the Fifth Amendment to all questions, save for his name, as Fox News Digital previously reported.
In the wake of this, many people have been wondering: What’s the difference between a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) and a doctor of medicine (MD)?
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Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News’ senior medical analyst, confirmed that the capabilities of both a DO and an MD are the same, even when it comes to acknowledging mental decline or diagnosing and screening for prostate cancer.
“He’s a DO and he’s a family practitioner,” said Siegel. “With that training, he should know how to screen for prostate cancer.”
The House Oversight Committee questioned former President Joe Biden’s White House physician Kevin O’Connor, DO, shown here with Biden, during a hearing this week as part of a probe into Biden’s mental decline. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)
Training as a DO should not “take away” from medical training or medical education, said Siegel, who’s an internist — it only adds osteopathic methods such as manipulative treatment.
“I’m trained to be able to suss out cognitive decline,” said Siegel. “I’m not a specialist in that, but I can certainly screen for that. And so should a family practitioner who went to osteopathic school.”
He added, “He’s a guy who should say, ‘Hey, [Biden’s] got some cognitive decline. Let me get a neurologist in here.’”
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As a White House physician, O’Connor’s responsibility was to address the medical needs of the president.
But DOs have more of a focus on the “mind, body, spirit connection,” according to Cleveland Clinic.
MDs and DOs have similar schooling, do the same jobs, can prescribe medicine and practice anywhere in the country. Still, DOs approach medicine more holistically, according to the same source.
DOs and MDs receive the same kind of training and can administer the same modern medical treatments. But DOs may approach medicine more holistically. (iStock)
Cleveland Clinic defines osteopathic medicine as treating patients as a whole and improving wellness through education and prevention.
DOs also receive extra training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), which is a hands-on method for treating and diagnosing patients.
This alternative training and approach don’t define a doctor’s practice, as DOs use “all types of modern medical treatments,” according to Cleveland Clinic — while MDs can also provide whole-person, preventive care.
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DO training was first developed in 1892 by physician Andrew Taylor Still, MD, who changed his philosophy of medicine after the Civil War, the same source noted.
He believed traditional medicine to treat spinal meningitis, which killed three of his children, was ineffective — and 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)
In the U.S., as of 2023, there were 154 allopathic medical schools – using medication, surgery and other interventions to treat illnesses – and 38 otheopathic medicine schools, according to Cleveland Clinic.
A 2024 report from the American Osteopathic Association found that 57% of DOs practice family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics — compared to 28% of MDs.
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The number of DOs in the U.S. has been on the rise in the last decade, according to the same report.
Nearly 70% of DOs in active practice are under age 45 — and 45% are female.
Several U.S. presidents have been under the care of osteopathic physicians in recent years.
O’Connor was appointed by Biden in 2021, serving until March 2025 in the role of White House physician.
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Dr. Sean Barbabella, DO, stepped into the role that same month. He is a decorated Navy physician who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Before becoming physician to President Donald Trump, Barbabella ran the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina, according to multiple sources.
Dr. Sean Conley, DO, served as a physician to Trump during his first term, from 2018 to 2021.
House GOP members, including Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, a former White House doctor himself, continue to investigate accusations that Biden’s former top White House aides covered up signs of his mental and physical decline while in office, and whether any executive actions were commissioned via autopen without the president’s full knowledge.
Biden allies have been pushing back on those claims.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed reporting.
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More than three-quarters of the global population is falling short on omega-3 intake, a nutrient gap that may increase the risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, inflammation and vision problems.
That’s according to an analysis published in Nutrition Research Reviews, in which researchers from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and Holland & Barrett analyzed omega-3 intake patterns across multiple countries and age groups.
The review found that 76% of people worldwide are not meeting the recommended levels of two omega-3 fats that are essential for heart health: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
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The analysis considered recommendations from global health authorities and assessed how closely populations follow them.
Most adults should aim for at least 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day, though actual intake is far lower in many regions, according to the researchers.
A new study found that 76% of people fall short of their recommended omega-3 intake. (iStock)
To explore the health implications of low omega-3 intake, Fox News Digital spoke with Michelle Routhenstein, a New York–based preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished.
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Low omega-3 levels can have a noticeable impact on heart health, cognitive function and inflammation throughout the body, the expert confirmed.
Low intake can also increase the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death, she added. It’s also associated with higher triglycerides, irregular heart rhythms and plaque in the arteries.
Most adults should aim for at least 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day, researchers say. (iStock)
Inadequate omega-3 levels have also been linked to changes in brain function, including faster cognitive decline, a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and increased rates of depression.
Routhenstein noted that low levels may also worsen inflammation in autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, and can negatively affect eye health, since omega-3s play a key structural role in the retina.
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To improve omega-3 levels, the expert said it’s important to understand how much is needed and where to get it.
“The richest dietary sources of EPA and DHA are oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, trout and anchovies,” Routhenstein told Fox News Digital.
Oily fish, such as salmon, are among the richest natural sources of omega-3s. (iStock)
Many people benefit from eating oily fish more frequently, often three to four times per week, Routhenstein noted. For individuals who do not eat fish regularly, supplements can help raise EPA and DHA to healthier levels.
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For those taking omega-3 supplements, dosing should be based on lab results, medications, omega-3 levels and overall medical history, according to Routhenstein. Moderate, quality-controlled supplements are generally considered safe for most people.
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There is also some evidence supporting prescription-strength omega-3 products.
“High-dose EPA, such as 4 grams per day of icosapent ethyl, has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular events in certain high-risk populations, while similar doses of mixed EPA/DHA have not consistently shown the same benefit,” Routhenstein said.
Omega-3 dosing should be individualized based on lab data, medication use, current levels and overall medical history. (iStock)
Testing omega-3 levels can also help determine whether intake is adequate. The omega-3 index, a blood test that measures EPA and DHA in red blood cells, is considered one of the most reliable ways to assess status.
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“Levels around 8% are associated with lower cardiovascular risk, while levels below approximately 4% are considered low,” Routhenstein said.
Understanding baseline levels can help guide more personalized decisions about diet and supplementation.
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Those who are unsure about their omega-3 status or whether supplementation is appropriate should speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach.
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As winter weather moves in, cozy essentials like scarves, plush throws and heated bedding become everyday comforts.
But dermatologists caution that these cold-weather favorites can secretly undermine skin health — trapping sweat and bacteria, causing irritation and exposing the skin to excess heat.
Choosing the right materials for wellness — and using them safely — can make a big difference.
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Here are five winter must-haves and gift ideas, with expert tips on how to keep skin healthy and happy while staying warm this season.
Soft scarf, $19.99, Amazon.com
Scarves made of natural fiber, like this one that is 100% cotton, may help if you’re prone to irritation. (Amazon)
A soft scarf is a staple for cold days and an easy way to elevate a winter outfit.
Yet, if breakouts are appearing along the neck, jawline or chest, that favorite accessory may be part of the problem.
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“You should wash your scarf as often as your clothes to prevent breakouts,” Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a beauty and wellness booking platform headquartered in London, told Fox News Digital.
Cotton is a better choice than polyester, she also noted, as it’s more breathable and allows sweat to evaporate.
Fluffy blankets, $28.97, Potterybarn.com
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin — which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth. (Pottery Barn)
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin, which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth.
Rough textures or infrequent washing can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen breakouts.
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“Regularly wash your blankets, especially those made from synthetic or fluffy materials, to remove built-up oils and dirt,” Taurua advised.
She recommended breathable materials like cotton or linen, as well as hypoallergenic options for anyone prone to irritation.
Good set of sheets, $49.99, Amazon.com
Much like scarves, natural fibers are the way to go for your linens to avoid irritation. (iStock)
Cold weather makes lingering in bed especially tempting, but lying on unwashed bedding can worsen acne.
Pillowcases and sheets quickly collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which transfer directly onto the face.
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“Washing bedding frequently is important,” Taurua said. “You should aim to change and wash your pillowcases every two to three days and your sheets at least once a week.”
Heated blanket, $33.99, Walmart.com
Heated blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter. (Walmart)
When using a heated blanket, start with the lowest heat setting and limit use, said Taurua.
“Once you’re warm, switch to a regular blanket,” she advised.
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She also said it’s best to avoid direct contact for long periods to reduce irritation.
Hot water bottle, $12.99, Amazon.com
A traditional winter staple, hot water bottles offer quick comfort — but they come with risks similar to heated blankets, including burns, scalding and long-term heat-related skin damage.
Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, experts advise. (Amazon)
“Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water,” Taurua said.
“Only use hot, not boiling, water, and fill it to a maximum of two-thirds.”
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She recommended wrapping the bottle in a towel or cover to avoid direct skin contact and limiting use to around 20 minutes.
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