Anthony Fauci, NIAID director, announced that he plans to retire from the government service on Monday.
He plans to leave in December to pursue the next chapter of his career.
Many public health experts applauded Anthony Fauci’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic even as Donald Trump and many Republicans vilified him.
Fauci directs the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, whose job, in part, is to manage infectious disease threats.
As an infectious disease expert, Fauci is also the chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden and leads a lab studying the immune system.
Millions of Americans first heard of him during the COVID-19 epidemic, but he has spoken candidly to the public about many other outbreaks, such as the pandemic flu, Ebola, and HIV/AIDS.
“I’ve gone into this campus and into the labs and into the hospital every day, including most weekends, for 54 years. The idea of walking away from it obviously is bittersweet,” Fauci conveyed to The Associated Press.
Fauci has served as a significant advisor to seven presidents, beginning with Ronald Reagan. He is known for his candor and ability to interpret complex medical facts into understandable terms. conveyed
Fauci was often marginalized by the Trump administration and many in the media during the start of the coronavirus pandemic, but it didn’t deter him.
Prior to the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine, he continued to advocate for social distancing and wearing masks in public settings in talks with the media.
“I definitely feel it was worth staying as long as I have. It is unfortunate, but it is a fact of life that we are living in a very, very divisive society right now,” Fauci told Reuters on Monday.
The threats against him never caused him to consider resigning.
“I don’t like the idea that I have to have armed federal agents with me. That’s not a happy feeling. It’s reality. And you’ve got to deal with reality,” Fauci said.
According to Fauci, the country’s disagreements on how to combat the pandemic continue to irritate him.
“If ever there was a situation where you wanted a unified approach and everybody pulling together for the common good, it would be when you’re in the middle of a public health crisis,” he said.
“As a physician and a scientist, I and my colleagues have the responsibility to do what’s correct, what is science-based.”
“As he leaves his position in the U.S. Government, I know the American people and the entire world will continue to benefit from Dr. Fauci’s expertise in whatever he does next,” President Joe Biden said.
“The United States of America is stronger, more resilient, and healthier because of him.”
Fauci plans to continue working after leaving his federal government position.
Fauci said staying on until December allows the government to search a pool of talented scientists for the next director of NIAID.
It will also allow for the appointment of an acting chief medical advisor.
Fauci also stated that with the upswing in COVID-19 infections expected this fall, he wanted to be able to help address the situation.
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References:
https://www.axios.com/2022/08/22/fauci-stepping-down-in-december
https://apnews.com/article/anthony-fauci-announces-retirement-7efdacac6a9ff7aa6e2f870b551fe508
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fauci-step-down-president-bidens-chief-medical-adviser-2022-08-22/
