Following remarks that 58-year old President Luis Abinader maintains a rigorous pace, logging over 300 official activities a year with virtually no days off, a leading internist has weighed in on the potential health risks associated with such a demanding lifestyle, N Digital reports. President Abinader is not known to have ever taken even a week off from his taxing schedule since his government began on 16 August 2020.
Dr. Jorge Luis Vólquez, an internist at the Padre Billini Teaching Hospital and president of the Dominican Society of Internal Medicine (SMIRD), explained the possible effects of a high-workload schedule, though he was quick to assure that there is “no cause for concern” regarding the President’s current health, as reported in N Digital.
The specialist indicated that an individual with an intense schedule who fails to plan for periods of rest or recreation may be exposed to “elevated levels of stress.” In the long term, this can be linked to physical exhaustion, insomnia, and loss of concentration.
However, he emphasized that these effects vary significantly based on the individual and their capacity to manage pressure.
“This is not about being alarmist, but about understanding that every person, regardless of their role, needs time for physical and mental rest. Sustained stress can lead to symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, or what we know as ‘burnout syndrome’ or exhaustion,” explained Dr. Vólquez.
From a clinical perspective, the doctor pointed out that prolonged stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, which in some cases can elevate the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
“The body responds to constant demand by releasing adrenaline, and if there are no breaks, that system doesn’t disconnect. The ideal is for people with demanding agendas to learn to regulate their time, even if it’s just with brief pauses throughout the day,” he advised.
A presidential pace without breaks
Records from the Presidency’s Press Agency show the head of state completed 22 official activities in a 14-day span. This included institutional meetings, inaugurations, press encounters, and tours across various provinces, even during the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Melissa.
On average, President Abinader conducts 11 activities per week, with workdays that typically begin at 9am and most often stretch late into the evening.
Despite the intense rhythm, Dr. Vólquez reiterated that there are no indications the President is currently facing health issues. He stressed the importance for high-level public figures to maintain regular medical oversight to ensure their well-being.
“The fundamental thing is balance. It’s not about stopping work, but about protecting time for rest, proper diet, and sleep. That applies to everyone, even to the person leading the country,” the physician concluded.
Read more in Spanish:
N Digital
6 November 2025