Dr. Anthony Fauci has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career by joining Georgetown University as a “distinguished university professor” in the field of infectious diseases.
Stepping down from his role as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and President Biden’s chief medical adviser in late 2022, Fauci brings over five decades of experience working in the federal government.
“We are deeply honored to welcome Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, a dedicated public servant, humanitarian and visionary global health leader, to Georgetown,” Georgetown President John J. DeGioia said in a statement.
“Dr. Fauci has embodied the Jesuit value of being in service to others throughout his career, and we are grateful to have his expertise, strong leadership and commitment to guiding the next generation of leaders to meet the pressing issues of our time.” DeGioia added.
In his new position, which is considered Georgetown’s highest professional honor, Fauci will contribute his expertise to the university’s medical school.
Specifically, he will be involved in the infectious disease division, where he will engage in clinical care, research, and the training of future physicians specializing in this field.
Additionally, Fauci will hold an appointment in Georgetown’s school of public policy, allowing him to contribute to the intersection of health and public policy.
“I am delighted to join the Georgetown family, an institution steeped in clinical and academic excellence with an emphasis on the Jesuit tradition of public service,” Fauci said.
“This is a natural extension of my scientific, clinical and public health career, which was initially grounded from my high school and college days where I was exposed to intellectual rigor, integrity and service-mindedness of Jesuit institutions,” he added.
For Fauci, the decision to join the faculty of Georgetown University was an easy one, as he has a personal connection to the institution. He and his wife, who is a Georgetown graduate, exchanged vows in the university’s chapel. The opportunity to work at a prestigious Jesuit school aligned perfectly with his professional goals and values.
“I ask myself, now at this stage in my life, what do I have to offer to society?” Fauci continued. “And I think, sure, I could do more experiments in the lab and have my lab going. But given what I’ve been through, I think what I have to offer is experience and inspiration to the younger generation of students.”
Dr. Fauci gained widespread recognition as a member of former President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force during the initial stages of the pandemic.
However, his actions and statements have faced criticism from some on the right. Accusations have been leveled against Fauci, asserting that he misled the public about the effectiveness of masks and advocated for school lockdown measures that negatively impacted students.
Among those critical of Fauci is Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Governor DeSantis has accused Fauci of dishonesty regarding the origins of COVID-19 and has called for accountability. In a March speech delivered in Iowa, DeSantis asserted that the virus originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, countering the prevailing belief that it emerged naturally.
“And I think we need some accountability here. Fauci needs to be held accountable. All these agencies,” DeSantis added.
