The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced that "U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital today, Monday." It noted in a statement that "doctors advised Austin to perform his duties remotely for a period before returning to his full role at the department." Austin was hospitalized on January 1 due to complications from treatment for prostate cancer.
Austin stated in a release after leaving the hospital: "I appreciate the outstanding care I received at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and I want to thank the exceptional doctors and nursing staff for their professionalism and tremendous support. I am grateful to everyone who wished me a speedy recovery."
Doctors at Walter Reed explained that "Austin underwent non-surgical examination and intervention to address health issues, including leg pain, and he will not need further cancer treatment." They added: "Secretary Austin's prostate cancer was successfully treated early and effectively, and his health reports have been excellent. He will only need regular check-ups following the prostatectomy."
