Former President Donald Trump’s medical condition following an assassination attempt has only been reported by his former White House physician, Rep. Ronny Jackson, MD. Jackson’s medical credentials have been scrutinized, given that he is currently licensed to practice medicine only in a military context.
His active license in Florida is designated as “military active,” restricting him to practice within military facilities, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Jackson’s license details indicate that although he is listed with an address at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, he has not been licensed in Maryland. His medical practice history includes a license in Virginia, which was valid from 1996 until 2020.
His Florida license is under the name “Ronny Lynn Jackson,” while the Virginia license was under “Ronny L Jackson.” Jackson’s records show no public complaints or disciplinary actions in either state.
Jackson now serves as a Representative from Texas, but he does not hold a medical license in Texas. Despite his current non-practicing status, Jackson maintains board certification in emergency medicine from the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), valid since 2016 and expiring at the end of 2024. The ABEM certification is a voluntary credential and does not permit legal medical practice across state lines.
ABEM representatives have clarified that their certification does not equate to the authority to practice medicine, which is governed by state medical licensing boards. Thus, while Jackson is certified by ABEM, it does not grant him the right to practice medicine outside of his designated military facilities or state licensure.
Requests for clarification from the Florida Department of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center regarding Jackson’s ability to practice outside military facilities or Florida have not been answered.
In contrast, President Biden’s current physician, Kevin O’Connor, DO, provided an update on Biden’s health with an active medical license and board certification, highlighting a contrast in medical credential transparency.
