A new poll conducted on behalf of a a non-partisan professional association of physicians in all types of practices and specialties may perhaps put the “conspiracy theory” explanation for Hillary Clinton’s overall health to rest.
The survey conducted among members of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, a group that advocates for private-practice physicians, found that 71 percent of respondents believe the Democratic presidential nominee’s health issues are “serious.” Not only that, but that those health issues—if more was known about them—could be disqualifying for the position of president of the United States.”
Less than 3 percent responded that they believed it was a politically motivated attack, that there was no cause for concern, and that the nearly 18-month-old letter from Clinton’s personal physician was sufficient to explain her medical condition. Another 20 percent said the issue may be legitimate, but was being overblown.
Respondents were also quizzed on their knowledge of Clinton’s announced medical condition. While 81 percent were aware of her concussion diagnosis, far fewer—59 percent—were aware of the cerebral venous sinus thrombosis—a blood clot in her spinal fluid—she also suffered at the same time, following a fall in 2012.
Only 52 percent knew she also had a history of deep vein thrombosis—blood clotting in the legs.
More than three-fourths—78 percent—said Clinton’s health issues had not received enough emphasis in the mainstream media. A number identical to those who said they believed the concerns were politically motivated attacks—less than 3 percent—believed there had been too much emphasis.
Nearly two-thirds, however, said a physician who has concerns about a candidate’s fitness to serve for health reasons had an obligation to “make the concerns known to the public.” Only 11 percent said a physician should “keep silent unless he had personally examined the patient,” and 10 percent said a candidate’s health was “off limits for public discussion.”
Those last numbers help explain a recent poll conducted by Gravis Marketing that found only half of Americans were aware of Clinton’s documented health concerns. Even fewer—about a quarter of those surveyed—were aware that President Bill Clinton had described Hillary’s “terrible concussion” that required “six months of very serious work to get over.”
“Both physicians and other voters think that health concerns are relevant when choosing a presidential candidate,” AAPS executive director Dr. Jane M. Orient said. “However, more than 40 percent of physician respondents were unaware of the cerebral sinus thrombosis, and the vast majority of voters were not aware of all of Clinton’s problems or their potential serious long-term implications for cognitive function.”
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