Dr. Brian Monahan, a two-star Navy admiral who has served as the attending physician for the U.S. Capitol since 2009, has resigned from his position. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed the departure on Thursday, stating that his understanding was that the physician had stepped down. The resignation occurs amidst allegations of misconduct and follows a critical report from the Department of Defense inspector general.
According to one source familiar with the matter, Monahan resigned after allegations surfaced regarding the care he provided and the duties he assigned to the sailors under his command. The resignation coincides with the release of a watchdog report that found lax oversight within the Office of the Attending Physician. While the public version of the report contains numerous redactions and lacks specific details, investigators identified a significant gap in clinical quality management.
The inspector general's findings indicated that certain prescription medications, including pain relief and sleep aids, were not properly tracked or inventoried. The report warned that these shortfalls could lead to beneficiaries unknowingly assuming health and safety risks because their clinical and prescribing practices were not adequately monitored. In response to these findings, the report included five recommendations to improve the office, such as designating an outside group for quality control oversight and establishing clearer policies for employees.
The Navy is also conducting its own inquiry into the Office of the Attending Physician. Monahan, who is certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, has held the role for over a decade. He is also a professor at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland, where he previously served as the chairman of medicine. The Office of the Attending Physician did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding the resignation.
The role of the Office of the Attending Physician is extensive. Since 1928, the Navy has been responsible for providing medical care to members of Congress, their staff, the Supreme Court, and visitors to the Capitol complex. The office handles minor first aid and general medical support while also playing a key role in planning for and responding to potential disasters at the Capitol. The initial report on Monahan's removal was provided by Punchbowl News.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on Thursday that he did not have specific knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the dismissal. However, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that the health of congressional members remains protected. The office has faced scrutiny not only for clinical oversight but also for working conditions. The Navy Times reported that military personnel in the office were pressured to work 70 to 80 hour weeks.
The report further noted that staff were asked to perform tasks that others avoided, such as trimming a congressman's toenails or delivering medication to private residences at 3 a.m. These operational challenges highlight the complex and often demanding nature of the medical support provided to the nation's legislative and judicial branches. As the Navy continues its inquiry, the focus remains on improving the standards of care and management within the office to prevent similar issues in the future.
The transition of leadership in this high-profile medical role will likely draw attention from both political and military observers. The combination of the inspector general's findings and the internal Navy investigation suggests a broader review of how the Office of the Attending Physician functions. Lawmakers and staff will now look toward the next steps in the selection of a new attending physician, with the goal of restoring confidence in the medical services provided to the Capitol community.
