By Kelly O'Donnell and Rebecca Shabad —
NBC News
The president, Joe Biden, was heading to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center this Wednesday morning to undergo his annual routine physical examination.
In line with standard practice, the White House expects to release a written summary of the results later in the day.
Several doctors participate in the president's care, led by White House doctor Kevin O'Connor.
[How serious are Biden's memory failures for governing: three neurologists respond]
Two assistants traveled with the president to Walter Reed on the official Marine One helicopter: Annie Tomasini, assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff, and Dilpreet Sidhu, special assistant to Biden and deputy chief of staff of the National Security Council.
The assistants indicated that there is no expected need for Biden to transfer his responsibilities while he undergoes the exam.
Joe Biden at the White House on Monday, January 22, after visiting Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.Andrew Harnik / AP
Former President Donald Trump and Republicans have focused on Biden's age during the current presidential campaign and questioned his ability to continue serving as president.
Biden has repeatedly said he is fine and Democrats have defended him, describing him as healthy.
Trump's critics, including Nikki Haley — the only major Republican challenger left in the race — have also noted that
The former president is almost the same age as Biden and has also had several notable memory lapses in recent months.
Biden last underwent a routine physical examination a year ago, in February 2023. In a five-page memo, O'Connor wrote then that Biden “remains a healthy and vigorous 80-year-old man, who is able to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.”
Biden is now 81 years old.
After a dermatological consultation, a small lesion on Biden's chest was removed and sent for a biopsy, O'Connor said last year.
The note also said that Biden was still taking medication, including for cholesterol, and that he was asymptomatic for a cardiac arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation.
The doctor also reported that Biden suffered from acid reflux, which O'Connor said is the reason the president is sometimes heard clearing his throat.