Anthony Fauci is a renowned American physician-scientist and immunologist known for his long tenure as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from 1984 to 2022. His significant contributions to science, particularly his work on the AIDS relief program PEPFAR, earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008. He also served as the chief medical advisor to the president from 2021 to 2022, further solidifying his influence in public health.
1909: Birth of Eugenia Lillian Abys
Eugenia Lillian Abys, Anthony Fauci's mother, was born in 1909.
1910: Birth of Stephen A. Fauci
Stephen A. Fauci, Anthony Fauci's father, was born in 1910.
December 24, 1940: Birth of Anthony Fauci
Anthony Stephen Fauci was born on December 24, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York City.
1958: Fauci Graduates High School
Anthony Fauci graduated from Regis High School in 1958.
1962: Fauci Earns Bachelor's Degree
Anthony Fauci graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a Bachelor of Arts degree in classics in 1962.
1965: Death of Eugenia Lillian Fauci
Anthony Fauci's mother, Eugenia Lillian Fauci, passed away in 1965.
1966: Fauci Graduates Medical School
In 1966, Anthony Fauci graduated first in his class from Cornell University's Medical College with a Doctor of Medicine degree.
1968: Fauci Begins Career at NIH
Anthony Fauci joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1968 as a clinical associate.
1974: Fauci Advances at NIAID
In 1974, Anthony Fauci became head of the Clinical Physiology Section within NIAID's Laboratory of Clinical Investigation.
1977: Fauci Moves into D.C. Home
Anthony Fauci established his residence in Washington, D.C. in 1977, where he has lived ever since.
1980: Fauci Appointed Chief of Immunoregulation Laboratory
Anthony Fauci was appointed chief of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation at NIAID in 1980.
1981: Fauci's Team Begins AIDS Research
Anthony Fauci and his research team began their search for a vaccine or treatment for the then-new HIV/AIDS virus in 1981.
1983: Fauci's Research Highlighted
From 1983 to 2002, Anthony Fauci was ranked as one of the world's most cited scientists across all scientific journals.
1983: Fauci Publishes Paper on Potential AIDS Transmission
In 1983, Anthony Fauci published a paper suggesting that routine close contact within a family setting could potentially spread AIDS. This theory was later corrected within a year.
1984: Fauci Becomes Director of NIAID
In 1984, Anthony Fauci was appointed as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
1985: Fauci's Work Recognized for Impact on Rheumatology
A 1985 survey by the American Rheumatism Association highlighted Anthony Fauci's work on treatments for polyarteritis nodosa and granulomatosis with polyangiitis as a significant advancement in rheumatology.
1985: Fauci Marries Christine Grady
Fauci married Christine Grady, a nurse and bioethicist, in 1985. They met while treating a patient together. Grady heads the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The couple has three daughters.
1986: Fauci Joins "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" as Editor
Fauci became one of the primary editors of "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" starting with the 11th edition in 1986.
October 1988: Protests Erupt at NIAID
Protests took place at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in October 1988, with Anthony Fauci facing criticism from the LGBTQ+ community for the government's response to the AIDS epidemic.
1991: Fauci Inspires Character in Romance Novel
Fauci's work and persona inspired a character in Sally Quinn's 1991 romance novel "Happy Endings," showcasing his impact beyond the realm of science.
2002: Fauci's Research Continues to be Highly Cited
Fauci's work continued to be highly influential from 1983 to 2002, ranking him among the most cited scientists globally.
2003: Fauci's Citation Impact Highlighted
In 2003, the Institute for Scientific Information recognized Anthony Fauci's significant influence in the scientific community, stating that he was the 13th most-cited scientist globally from 1983 to 2002.
2008: Fauci Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2008, President George W. Bush awarded Anthony Fauci the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to the AIDS relief program PEPFAR.
2008: Death of Stephen A. Fauci
Stephen A. Fauci, Anthony Fauci's father, passed away in 2008.
September 17, 2009: Fauci Predicts Potential Spread of H1N1 Virus
On September 17, 2009, Anthony Fauci predicted that the H1N1 virus, responsible for the 2009 swine flu pandemic, could potentially infect a significant portion of the American population.
October 16, 2014: Congressional Hearing on Ebola Virus Crisis
On October 16, 2014, during a congressional hearing concerning the Ebola crisis, Dr. Fauci, as NIAID director, testified that the development of cures and vaccines for widespread trials was still in progress. He highlighted that the understanding of the Ebola virus's treatment and prevention was still in its initial stages.
2014: Fauci's Handling of AIDS Epidemic Criticized
Sean Strub, writing for HuffPost in 2014, criticized Anthony Fauci for what he perceived as delays in promoting experimental HIV/AIDS drugs, accusing him of contributing to preventable deaths and attempting to rewrite history.
2015: Fauci Receives Honorary Degree
Anthony Fauci received an honorary degree in 2015.
January 2020: Appointment to White House Coronavirus Task Force
In January 2020, Dr. Fauci was appointed to the White House Coronavirus Task Force under President Donald Trump. This marked the beginning of his prominent role as a public health spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he advocated for social distancing measures.
February 29, 2020: Early Assessment of the Pandemic
Dr. Fauci stated that there was no need for the public to change their day-to-day routines, although he cautioned that this could change depending on the virus's spread.
March 8, 2020: Initial Advice on Face Masks
On March 8, 2020, Dr. Fauci advised against the general public wearing masks, suggesting it could lead to shortages for healthcare workers. He stated that while it was fine to do so, masks were more critical for healthcare providers. This advice would later be reversed as the understanding of the virus evolved.
March 2020: Prediction on COVID-19 Infection Fatality Rate
In March 2020, Dr. Fauci predicted a likely infection fatality rate of around 1% for COVID-19, a rate ten times higher than the reported 0.1% for seasonal flu. This prediction highlighted the potential severity of the virus.
May 21, 2020: Fauci's Guest Remarks at Johns Hopkins University Commencement
Fauci delivered guest remarks at the Johns Hopkins University Class of 2020 commencement on May 21, 2020.
June 2020: Fauci's Emails Reveal Early Pandemic Response
In June 2020, Fauci's internal government emails shed light on the United States' initial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his role in shaping policy decisions.
June 2020: Concerns over Protests and COVID-19 Surge
In June 2020, Dr. Fauci expressed concern that protests against police brutality could lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases. He stated that large crowds provided an ideal environment for the virus to spread.
July 4, 2020: Significant Rise in COVID-19 Cases
The United States recorded more than 55,000 new COVID-19 cases on July 4, 2020, a figure indicative of a resurgence in infections.
July 6, 2020: Assessment of the COVID-19 Situation
Dr. Fauci, speaking on a Facebook livestream, expressed concern about the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, citing over 55,000 new cases on July 4, 2020, as evidence that the country was "still knee-deep in the first wave."
July 7, 2020: Contradiction of the White House Narrative on COVID-19
On July 7, 2020, Dr. Fauci publicly disagreed with the Trump administration's optimistic assessment of the COVID-19 situation, warning against complacency due to a lower death rate. He argued that other dangers posed by the virus remained. This public contradiction led to the cancellation of Dr. Fauci's scheduled media appearances by the White House.
July 9, 2020: Public Criticism from President Trump
President Trump publicly criticized Dr. Fauci on July 9, 2020, stating that while he was a "nice man," he had "made a lot of mistakes."
July 12, 2020: White House Officials Raise Concerns Over Fauci's Statements
White House officials expressed concerns over Dr. Fauci's handling of the pandemic, alleging inconsistencies in his public statements and providing the media with a list of his purported mistakes. This list, however, lacked context and omitted Fauci's caveats about the evolving nature of the pandemic.
July 2020: Advice on Avoiding Crowds
In July 2020, Dr. Fauci recommended that the public avoid crowds of any type to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
September 23, 2020: Senate Hearing on COVID-19 Response
On September 23, 2020, during a Senate hearing on the COVID-19 response, Dr. Fauci defended the CDC's mitigation guidelines, including social distancing and mask-wearing, against criticism from Senator Rand Paul. He maintained that these recommendations were still valid and crucial in controlling the virus.
October 2020: Objection to Use of Words in Trump Campaign Ad
Dr. Fauci objected to the Trump campaign's use of his words, "I can't imagine that anybody could be doing more," in an advertisement praising Trump's pandemic response. He clarified that his statement, taken out of context, referred to the efforts of the Coronavirus Task Force and reiterated that he had never made political endorsements.
October 18, 2020: Reaction to President Trump's COVID-19 Diagnosis
On October 18, 2020, Dr. Fauci commented that he was "not surprised" that President Trump had contracted COVID-19. This comment, along with his critical stance on the administration's pandemic policies, further strained his relationship with the White House.
November 2, 2020: Trump Hints at Firing Fauci
On November 2, 2020, during a campaign rally, President Trump suggested he would fire Fauci after the election, sparking chants of "Fire Fauci!" from the audience. Trump ultimately did not fire him.
December 3, 2020: Biden Appoints Fauci as Chief Medical Advisor
On December 3, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden selected Fauci to serve as his chief medical advisor, recognizing Fauci's expertise and experience in infectious diseases.
2020: Fauci Reflects on Career
In a 2020 interview, Anthony Fauci acknowledged the profound impact of HIV/AIDS on his career and identity.
2020: Shift in Fauci's Political Relationships
Prior to 2020, Fauci maintained positive relationships with both Democrats and Republicans, but this changed in 2020.
2020: Criticism and Harassment Amidst Pandemic
During the 2020 pandemic, Dr. Fauci faced criticism from right-wing pundits and received death threats, necessitating security detail. His family, including his wife and daughters, also experienced harassment.
2020: Fauci Portrayed by Brad Pitt on SNL
In 2020, Brad Pitt's portrayal of Fauci on Saturday Night Live garnered attention, reflecting Fauci's prominence in popular culture during the pandemic.
2020: Fauci Donuts
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, bakeries in the U.S. started selling pastries decorated with Fauci's face, particularly donuts, to honor his public health work.
January 3, 2021: Fauci Contradicts Trump on COVID-19 Numbers
On January 3, 2021, Fauci publicly countered President Trump's claims of exaggerated COVID-19 death tolls, emphasizing the severity of the pandemic and the accuracy of reported data.
January 2021: Fauci Expresses "Liberating Feeling" Under Biden Administration
In January 2021, after Biden's inauguration, Fauci described a sense of relief and freedom in communicating scientific information without interference.
January 23, 2021: Fauci Speaks Out on Restrictions During Trump Administration
On January 23, 2021, Fauci revealed that he faced pushback and limitations on his communication during the Trump administration, suggesting attempts to silence his scientific perspective.
March 23, 2021: Fauci Becomes Honorary Fellow of Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Fauci was honored as an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland on March 23, 2021.
April 2021: Fauci Acknowledges Race Between Vaccination and COVID-19 Surge
In April 2021, Fauci emphasized the urgent need for rapid vaccination efforts to outpace a concerning surge in COVID-19 cases.
May 2021: Fauci Addresses Summer Camp Guidance and COVID-19 Origins
In May 2021, Fauci defended the CDC's cautious summer camp guidelines and expressed his uncertainty about the natural origins of COVID-19, calling for further investigation.
May 2021: Fauci Denies Support for Gain-of-Function Research
In May 2021, Fauci denied allegations of NIH involvement in gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a topic of significant controversy.
June 2021: Release of Fauci's Emails Sparks Scrutiny and Debate
In June 2021, the release of thousands of Fauci's emails through FOIA requests provided insights into the early response to COVID-19, fueling public scrutiny and debate.
June 22, 2021: Fauci Identifies Delta Variant as Major Threat
On June 22, 2021, Fauci labeled the Delta variant as the most significant obstacle to ending the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, highlighting its transmissibility.
July 2021: Mask Guidance Updated in Response to Delta Variant
In July 2021, amidst the spread of the Delta variant, Fauci recommended a return to mask-wearing regardless of vaccination status, highlighting the evolving nature of the pandemic.
September 2021: Fauci Documentary Release
The documentary "Fauci," exploring Fauci's life and career, premiered in September 2021. Produced by National Geographic Documentary Films, it was released by Magnolia Pictures.
November 2021: Publication of "The Real Anthony Fauci"
November 2021 saw the release of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s book, "The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health." Fauci labeled Kennedy a "very disturbed individual" in response.
December 2021: Fauci Advocates for Universal Coronavirus Vaccine
In December 2021, Fauci joined other experts in calling for the development of a universal coronavirus vaccine, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration.
2021: Fauci's Praise for PEPFAR
In 2021, Fauci lauded the PEPFAR global health initiative, attributing it to saving over 20 million lives, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2021: Andrews Defends Fauci's Actions During AIDS Epidemic
Political commentator Helen Andrews penned an article in 2021 defending Anthony Fauci's handling of the AIDS epidemic, arguing that criticisms of his early work were unfair and that he acted responsibly given the limited knowledge at the time.
2021: Fauci Serves as Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden
Anthony Fauci served as chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden beginning in 2021.
2021: Fauci's Comments on the Capitol Attack as a Superspreader Event
In 2021, Fauci addressed the potential for the Capitol attack to be a COVID-19 superspreader event, highlighting the risks associated with large gatherings and non-adherence to public health guidelines.
February 2022: Fauci Predicts Shift to Local Decision-Making
In February 2022, Fauci anticipated a transition towards localized decision-making in managing COVID-19, suggesting a move away from centralized mandates.
March 2022: Fauci Addresses Potential Impact of BA.2 Subvariant
In March 2022, Fauci acknowledged the likelihood of rising COVID-19 cases due to the BA.2 subvariant while expressing hope for less severe outcomes.
April 27, 2022: Fauci Declares US Out of "Explosive" Pandemic Phase
On April 27, 2022, Fauci announced that the United States had moved beyond the most intense phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 15, 2022: Fauci Hints at Resignation if Trump Returns to Office
On May 15, 2022, Fauci suggested he might resign if Donald Trump were to be re-elected president in 2024.
June 11, 2022: Holy Cross Renames Science Complex After Fauci
The College of the Holy Cross renamed its science complex as the Anthony S. Fauci Integrated Science Complex on June 11, 2022.
June 15, 2022: Fauci Tests Positive for COVID-19
Despite being fully vaccinated and having two booster shots, Fauci tested positive for COVID-19 on June 15, 2022, and displayed mild symptoms.
July 2022: Fauci Plans Departure from NIAID, Seeks to Address Polarization
In July 2022, Fauci revealed his intention to leave his position as NIAID director and expressed a desire to contribute to healing the political divide surrounding science.
August 22, 2022: Fauci Announces Retirement
On August 22, 2022, Fauci officially announced his decision to step down from his roles at NIAID and as chief medical advisor.
December 31, 2022: Fauci Leaves Public Service
On December 31, 2022, Anthony Fauci officially stepped down from his government positions.
2022: Fauci's Continued Editorship of "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"
Fauci's involvement as an editor of "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" continued through the 21st edition, published in 2022.
2022: Washington Post Report on Fauci's Residence
In 2022, The Washington Post reported that Fauci resides in the same house he has lived in since 1977.
2022: Fauci Steps Down as NIAID Director and Chief Medical Advisor
Anthony Fauci stepped down from his roles as director of NIAID and chief medical advisor to the president in 2022.
June 26, 2023: Fauci Joins Georgetown University Faculty
On June 26, 2023, it was announced that Fauci would be joining Georgetown University as a distinguished professor.
December 2023: Fauci Discusses His Evolving Relationship with Religion
In December 2023, Anthony Fauci shared his thoughts on his evolving relationship with the Catholic Church, stating that he still considers himself Catholic but no longer actively practices his faith.
2024: Fauci's Resignation Contingent on 2024 Election
Fauci's potential resignation was contingent upon the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, specifically if Donald Trump were to be re-elected.