Capitol doctor resigns amid misconduct and oversight allegations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 23:13 · Archive

Dr Brian Monahan, the attending physician to Congress, has resigned following allegations of misconduct and a Defence Department investigation.

Dr Brian Monahan, a two-star Navy admiral who has served as the attending physician to Congress since 2009, resigned from his post on Thursday following allegations of misconduct. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed the resignation. A Defence Department inspector general report found lax oversight of the Office of the Attending Physician, including gaps in clinical quality management and improper tracking of prescription drugs including sleep aids and pain medication. The inspector general warned these shortfalls could cause health and safety risks to patients.

Allegations against Monahan relate to tasks he ordered sailors under his command to perform as part of their duties. The New York Post reports that staff complained of being ordered to cut lawmakers' toenails and deliver medication to private residences at 3am. Former staff told the outlet they worked 12-hour shifts, sometimes staying until 4am if Congress was in session, and faced threats of losing bonuses if they complained.

The Office of the Attending Physician, based in the Capitol basement, has been run by the Navy since 1928 and provides medical care to Congress, its staff, the Supreme Court and Capitol visitors. The Navy is conducting its own inquiry into Monahan's office. Monahan is also a professor at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland.

How it is being reported

• Congress’ top doc resigns amid probe into toxic work environment, claims he made staff cut lawmakers’ toenailsDr. Brian Monahan, the private doctor to lawmakers on Capitol Hill, resigned amid a military investigation.New York Post · 13 Nov, 22:55
• Top doctor for Congress resigns amid misconduct allegationsDr. Brian Monahan, the attending physician of the U.S. Capitol, has resigned from his post as lawmakers' top doctor.CBS News · 13 Nov, 18:34

In this story: Dr Brian Monahan · John Thune · US Capitol · Defence Department · Uniformed Services University

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log