In a new memoir titled "On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service," Dr. Anthony Fauci, renowned infectious disease expert, reflects on his career spanning over five decades, encompassing the two major pandemics of our time: AIDS and COVID-19. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn as the son of a pharmacist, to becoming a prominent figure in public health, Dr. Fauci's story is one of resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication.

Growing up on 13th Avenue in Dyker Heights, Dr. Fauci fondly remembers his father's role as a beloved pharmacist, often serving as the neighborhood's psychiatrist and marriage counselor. These early experiences instilled in him a sense of community and a deep empathy for others.

Despite his stature at just 5'7", Dr. Fauci captained his high school basketball team, relying on his speed and sharp shooting skills. Eventually, he realized that his talents on the court could not surpass the advantage of height, leading him to embrace his passion for science.

Throughout his career, Dr. Fauci has worked closely with seven U.S. presidents, addressing critical health crises such as AIDS, bird flu, swine flu, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19. His collaboration with President George W. Bush on an AIDS program resulted in an estimated 25 million lives saved worldwide. With President Bill Clinton, Dr. Fauci established the NIH's Vaccine Research Center, which played a pivotal role in the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines during the Trump administration.

However, not all collaborations were smooth sailing. On April 3, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, President Donald Trump's dismissal of wearing masks deeply disturbed Dr. Fauci. He saw it as a missed opportunity to set an example and reinforce public health messages, causing further division among Americans.

As the country grappled with the pandemic, Dr. Fauci faced intense criticism and even received death threats, a situation he had never experienced before. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to fighting against the common enemy that is the virus, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of adversity.

Recently, Dr. Fauci appeared before a Republican-led congressional committee to discuss pandemic origins and preparedness. However, the hearing quickly devolved into turmoil, with some members even calling for his prosecution. The incident, Dr. Fauci believes, reflects the mindset of a divided nation, diverting attention from the crucial goal of preventing and responding to future pandemics.

One particular point of controversy surrounding Dr. Fauci has been the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Accusations of funding research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China led to claims that American tax dollars might have been used in "gain of function" experiments. However, Dr. Fauci and other experts assert that such manipulation is biochemically and genetically impossible, as the viruses studied under the NIH grant were far removed from SARS-CoV-2.

Throughout his career, Dr. Fauci has faced accusations of financial gain, including offers from pharmaceutical companies that would exceed his current salary many times over. However, he has consistently chosen to remain at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), driven by his passion for improving public health and making a difference in the world.

Despite the challenges and the inevitable mistakes made along the way, Dr. Fauci has no regrets about his choices. He acknowledges that there is always room for improvement in responding to health crises but remains steadfast in his dedication to advancing public health and correcting any missteps.

Dr. Anthony Fauci's unwavering commitment to science, public service, and empathy has made him a respected figure in infectious disease research. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, his leadership and expertise will remain pivotal in guiding the nation's response to this unprecedented global health crisis.