Dr. Oz Jumps In as Drug Executive Collapses During Oval Office Press Conference
A sudden medical emergency interrupted a White House press briefing on Thursday when a pharmaceutical executive fainted while President Donald Trump discussed new efforts to reduce drug prices.
Incident in the Oval Office
The event took place as the President announced agreements with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk aimed at lowering the cost of obesity treatments Zepbound and Wegovy. During remarks, Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks noticed something was wrong and paused to check on a colleague.
"Are you okay? Gordon, are you okay?"
The colleague was later identified as Gordon Findlay, Novo Nordisk’s global brand director. Witnesses said he collapsed suddenly as cameras rolled.
Dr. Oz’s Swift Response
Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, quickly stepped in to assist Findlay after he fell to his knees. Reporters in the Oval Office were then ushered out while medical attention was provided.
Follow-Up and Update
According to officials, Health and Human Services Secretary was also present during the emergency. About half an hour later, the briefing resumed, and President Trump informed the press that the executive was recovering and in stable condition.
Summary
President Trump’s Oval Office event announcing major drug price cuts was briefly halted when Novo Nordisk director Gordon Findlay fainted; Dr. Mehmet Oz intervened swiftly to help.