Dr. Mehmet Oz's appointment as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took an unexpected turn when his granddaughter fainted during the swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office.

Before a scheduled question-and-answer session with President Donald Trump, Philomena Oz, Dr. Oz's 11-year-old granddaughter, suddenly lost consciousness, causing a brief commotion in the iconic setting, as the Daily Caller reports.

The swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Oz commenced in the historic Oval Office, a moment marked with significance for the Oz family, as well as for the administration.

The ceremony was presided over by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reflecting the formal and prestigious nature of the event. The ceremony anticipated a conclusion with an interactive session featuring President Trump.

Dr. Oz's family, including his wife Lisa and their children Arabella, Zoe, Daphne, and Oliver, as well as his grandchildren, were present to witness this important moment in his professional journey. As the President was engaged with a question regarding nuclear armaments, the atmosphere was interrupted by Philomena's unforeseen fainting episode. The young girl’s collapse created a noticeable stir among the attendees.

White House reacts to unexpected scenario

In the immediate aftermath, one of Dr. Oz's daughters exclaimed, notifying her father about Philomena's condition, urging immediate attention.

As a result, the formal proceedings were temporarily set aside to ensure the child's well-being. The immediate reaction was decisive, with a woman likely responsible for managing the room, directing the press to leave the premises. "Press out. Out, press," was heard as urgency rippled through the gathering.

Concerns among the attendees prompted swift actions to ensure the child’s safety. A White House aide further echoed the directive to clear the area by saying, "Everybody out!"

The protective measures highlighted the priority given to the well-being of Dr. Oz's family member in what had become an impromptu emergency.

Path to CMS administrator role

In due course, clarity on Philomena's condition was provided by an official statement. The White House communicated through PEOPLE that the minor was fine, offering a sense of relief amid the intense proceedings.

The statement confirmed, "A minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office. We are happy to say she is okay."

Dr. Oz's journey to his new role had been closely followed since President Trump announced his selection in November 2024. The Pennsylvania Senate run in 2022 marked a previous high-profile endeavor for Oz, propelling his political profile.

Despite the outcome of the Senate race, his expertise led to his appointment in an influential federal position, emphasizing trust in his capabilities.

Senate confirms Oz

The Senate deliberation regarding Dr. Oz's appointment concluded with a 53-45 approval on April 3, marking the formal acceptance of his role. This outcome indicated a division among legislators but ultimately affirmed the president's choice for the CMS role. The confirmation had set the stage for the official swearing-in, elevating the narrative of Oz's career trajectory.

During the brief upheaval in the Oval Office, the swift evacuation of the press underscored the duality of high-profile public roles and personal familial moments. The balance of attention between officiation and personal life played out publicly, offering a rare glimpse into the humanity surrounding high-ranking appointments.

Memorable ceremony comes to conclusion

Upon the successful resolution of the emergency, the occasion maintained its importance, albeit with new memories attached. Dr. Oz's step into his new position was marked by more than ceremonial recitations; it involved fostering family unity and care amid professional milestones.

Philomena's fainting incident exemplified how family involvements intersect with public duties, a narrative that seemingly enriched the Oz family's experience on this momentous day.

As the intended procedural question-and-answer session was curtailed, the event left a distinctive imprint on historical records associated with Oval Office proceedings. Public roles may demand adherence to schedules and formalities, yet personal narratives can often unfold amidst these moments. Dr. Oz's family incident, now an inseparable part of the day's events, contributes to the multifaceted nature of public service.