Dr. Anthony Fauci, renowned infectious disease expert and former chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, will be releasing a memoir in June titled 'On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service.' The memoir will delve into Fauci's lengthy career, highlighting his experiences and insights gained while tackling various outbreaks, including the notable HIV/AIDS epidemic and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Published by Viking, 'On Call' aims to provide readers with a personalized account of the formidable challenges encountered in the field of public health over the past four decades. Dr. Fauci hopes that his memoir will not only offer a deeper understanding of these challenges but also inspire younger individuals to consider careers in public health and public service.
With a career spanning almost 40 years as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, Fauci has served under seven U.S. presidents, starting with Ronald Reagan. However, it was during the tenure of former President Donald Trump that Fauci rose to prominence, becoming a trusted figure among millions of Americans seeking guidance during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fauci's straightforward and candid approach, characterized by his raspy voice and plainspoken manner, endeared him to the public. However, his stance on pandemic response often clashed with the Trump administration's views, leading to strained relations and disagreements regarding the best course of action. Throughout this period, he became a lightning rod for criticism from Republicans and anti-vaxxers, resulting in the publication of several hostile books, such as Senator Rand Paul's 'Deception: The Great Covid Cover-Up' and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'The Real Anthony Fauci.'
However, controversy has not been foreign to Fauci. In the 1980s, he faced backlash from the activist group ACT UP, which accused him of indifference towards the AIDS crisis. Nevertheless, Fauci managed to win over many of his critics by engaging with ACT UP members and implementing their suggestions, such as including people with HIV on research committees and expediting the search for treatments.
Furthermore, in the early 2000s under President George W. Bush's administration, Fauci played a pivotal role in developing PEPFAR (the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). For his contributions to advancing the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS, Fauci was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush in 2008.
Financial details for Fauci's memoir were not disclosed. His representation was handled by Washington attorney Robert Barnett, who has worked with prominent figures such as Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
Fauci's upcoming memoir promises to be a riveting account of a distinguished career, shedding light on the complex and challenging nature of public health. Its release in June will undoubtedly provide valuable insights, both for those already captivated by Fauci's contributions and for those looking to learn from his experiences in the field of infectious diseases and public service.
