In his newly released memoir, "On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service," Dr. Anthony Fauci, the renowned infectious disease expert, looks back on his experiences and the challenges he faced while advising seven U.S. presidents on various diseases, including AIDS, Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Fauci became a well-known figure as he stood at the forefront of the government's response, resulting in both gratitude and condemnation from different factions of society. Fauci's commitment to speaking the truth, even if it was inconvenient, often put him at odds with President Donald Trump.

During Fauci's interactions with Trump, he witnessed a complicated relationship. Trump, reportedly wanting to maintain a good rapport with Fauci, would often express frustration when the doctor provided information that was not as positive as he desired. However, despite these disagreements, Fauci recalls that Trump would reassure him at the end of their conversations to maintain their working relationship.

Fauci's journey in public service began with the AIDS epidemic, where he describes encountering young gay men who were desperately ill. With no knowledge of the disease's origins and no available therapies, Fauci and his colleagues felt they were futilely applying "Band-Aids" to patients. The experience of caring for AIDS patients during those early years left a lasting impact, with many healthcare professionals, including Fauci himself, experiencing degrees of post-traumatic stress.

One notable achievement in Fauci's career was his collaboration with President George W. Bush on the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Recognizing the moral obligation to prevent deaths from a treatable disease, Bush supported Fauci in developing the program. PEPFAR, which allocated $100 billion to 50 countries, saved 25 million lives, serving as a testament to the power of presidential leadership.

Furthermore, Fauci discusses his personal involvement in handling two patients with Ebola during the 2014 outbreak. Motivated by the risks faced by healthcare providers in West Africa, Fauci chose to directly care for the patients to set an example for his staff. Despite the highly meticulous protocols in place, the experience was tense as they worked to save the lives of patients while shielding themselves from potential infection.

Reflecting on his experiences, Fauci emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and the responsibility to provide accurate information to the public. His dedication to these principles has made him a respected figure in the field of public health, even as he faced intense criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Anthony Fauci's memoir serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in managing public health crises and the significant impact that presidential leadership and scientific expertise can have in combating these global challenges.