Dr. Oz Assists Drug Executive During Oval Office Collapse
A press conference in the Oval Office was suddenly interrupted on Thursday when a drug executive collapsed while President Donald Trump was announcing a major deal with pharmaceutical companies to cut drug prices.
The Incident
The executive, identified as Gordon Findlay, global brand director at Novo Nordisk, appeared to faint during the event. The press briefing, focused on reducing the cost of obesity drugs, was briefly halted as attendees rushed to assist him.
“Are you okay? Gordon, are you okay?”
These were the concerned words of David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, who was speaking at the time of the collapse.
Dr. Oz Steps In
Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, quickly moved to help Findlay as he fell to his knees. President Trump and others present watched as aid was given, and reporters were promptly asked to leave the room.
Resumption and Health Update
About 30 minutes later, the event resumed. President Trump then updated the press on Findlay’s condition, reassuring attendees that the situation was under control.
Background on the Announcement
The conference had been convened to reveal a new agreement between the administration and drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The deal aims to expand access and reduce prices for their popular obesity treatments, Zepbound and Wegovy.
Author’s summary: During President Trump’s Oval Office announcement on lowering drug prices, Dr. Mehmet Oz assisted Novo Nordisk executive Gordon Findlay after he collapsed mid-event, prompting a brief pause in proceedings.