Despite the ongoing scrutiny of President Biden’s health, there seems to be a significant lack of information available regarding the medical history of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. As of now, there have been no public disclosures of her medical records or physician letters. When approached by MedPage Today for clarification on potential medical issues, medications, history of colonoscopies, and regular medical check-ups, the White House has remained silent. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the health of our political leaders and those who may be required to step into their roles in the event of unexpected medical issues.
Harris, now 59 years old, faces an elevated risk of colorectal cancer due to her mother’s passing from colon cancer at the age of 70 in 2009. Guidelines suggest that individuals with a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer should undergo a colonoscopy at age 40 or 10 years before their family member’s diagnosis. Additionally, Harris had a run-in with COVID-19 in April 2022 despite being vaccinated and boosted. Following her diagnosis, Harris took nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) as a precautionary measure. While it remains unclear if any underlying conditions put her at higher risk, Harris’ access to top-tier care likely influenced the treatment she received.
When it comes to presidential nominees disclosing their medical histories, there is no legal obligation, only a tradition that has evolved over time. Retired cardiologist and Air Force flight surgeon John Sotos emphasized that nominees usually release some form of medical information, whether it’s a brief letter or granting limited access to certain reporters for medical record reviews. This tradition of transparency helps voters assess the health and fitness of potential leaders to handle emergencies effectively. However, the decision to disclose medical concerns ultimately lies with the candidate.
The confidential nature of the physician-patient relationship poses challenges for presidential physicians seeking to address potential health issues without explicit consent from their patients. Author and medical historian Steven Lomazow highlighted the case of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who concealed significant health problems during his presidency. Lomazow emphasized that without consent from the patient, there is little a presidential physician can do to disclose sensitive medical information to the public. Ultimately, the responsibility to share health concerns falls on the candidate themselves.
The limited information available on Kamala Harris’ medical history underscores the need for greater transparency from political leaders, especially those in positions of power and responsibility. The public’s right to know about the health of their elected officials is crucial for making informed decisions and holding leaders accountable. Moving forward, it is imperative for political nominees to uphold the tradition of medical disclosure, allowing voters to assess their fitness for office with full transparency and integrity.
Leave a Reply