Doctor in Chief

Dr. Anthony Fauci has been tireless in his fight against infectious diseases, earning the nation’s gratitude

- By Duncan Quinn

He has captivated millions at President Trump’s Coro-navirus Task Force briefings; led the nation’s scientific response in the time of our worst health crisis in recent memory; and been the voice of reason in the course of a heated debate about whether or not we are doing the right thing. Dr. Anthony Fauci has even seen his face plastered on everything from candles to cupcakes, while Brad Pitt played him on Saturday Night Live, and thanked him personally at the end of the sketch. Not half bad for a 79-year-old, five-foot-seven immunologist from Bensonhurst.

Fauci, who earned his MD at Cornell University Medical College and was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 in recognition of his “efforts to advance understanding and treatment of HIV/ AIDS,” has been the Director of The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984. One of the world’s leading immunologists, he was the obvious choice to shape our scientific strategy in fighting the pandemic. Which has turned out to be the most difficult job in the country, save that of the President himself.

Speaking of which, as one can tell from those infamous briefings, Fauci isn’t easily impressed or intimidated by those in positions of power. Of course, he has advised six different Presidents on domestic and global health issues, including HIV/AIDS.