Renowned Infectious Disease Expert Shares Insights and Experiences in New Book
NEW YORK — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the esteemed infectious disease expert who gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to publish his memoir this June. Titled “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service,” the book will delve into Fauci’s remarkable career and his contributions to tackling various outbreaks, from HIV/AIDS to the unprecedented global health crisis we are currently facing.
Viking, the publishing company behind the memoir, announced the release date as June 18th. In a statement, Fauci expressed his hope that the book would provide readers with a deeper understanding of the immense challenges faced in public health over the past four decades. Additionally, he aims to inspire younger individuals to consider careers in public health and public service.
As the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health for almost 40 years, Fauci has served under seven U.S. presidents, including President Joe Biden, for whom he acted as the chief medical advisor until his retirement in 2022. However, it was during the tenure of former President Donald Trump that Fauci gained prominence, often finding himself at odds with the White House over the appropriate response to the coronavirus.
Throughout the pandemic, Fauci became a trusted and familiar face to millions around the world. His raspy voice and straightforward communication style established him as a reliable source of information. Nevertheless, his stance on public health measures clashed with Trump’s eagerness for a swift return to normalcy, leading to a strained relationship. Critics, including Republicans and anti-vaxxers, have relentlessly targeted Fauci on a wide range of issues, resulting in the publication of books such as Sen. Rand Paul’s “Deception: The Great Covid Cover-Up” and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “The Real Anthony Fauci.”
While controversies have surrounded Fauci throughout his career, notably with activist group ACT UP in the 1980s, he has managed to bridge divides and win over skeptics. Recognizing the importance of dialogue, Fauci engaged with ACT UP members, implementing changes like allowing individuals with HIV to serve on research committees and expediting the development of treatments.
One of his notable achievements came during President George W. Bush’s administration when Fauci played a crucial role in the establishment of PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). His efforts in advancing the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008, bestowed upon him by President Bush.
Financial details of the memoir were not disclosed, but Fauci was represented by prominent Washington attorney Robert Barnett, whose client roster includes former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.