President Donald Trump's VIP status means he could be "over-treated" for the coronavirus, one doctor said.
Dr. Leana Wen, who formerly served as the health commissioner of Baltimore, told CNBC that VIPs are often given myriad drugs and treatments when they fall ill — which she called "VIP Syndrome."
"Having worked at the ER [emergency room], I've certainly treated a number of individuals who would be considered VIPs," Wen said. "These patients expect to receive the best treatment, but often that results in them becoming over-treated, and there is a risk to that."
Trump tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday and, after suffering from complications Friday, he was airlifted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Doctors have given Trump an antibody treatment, a steroid, and an anti-viral drug, in addition to supplemental oxygen when his blood oxygen level dropped.
Wen said the multitude of drugs Trump is being given have the potential to clash.
"There isn't a clear reason for us to believe that there is some untoward interaction that they have with one another," she said. "But it is a question to be raised: Do we want to be using experimental therapies on the president of the United States?"
Trump is hoping to be released back to the White House Monday, although doctors have not yet announced a decision on that either way.
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