June 26 (UPI) – Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci who gained global notoriety with the COVID-19 pandemic will become a university professor emeritus at Georgetown University School of Medicine this week.
“We are deeply revered to welcome Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, a committed public servant, humanitarian leader and global fitness visionary, at Georgetown,” Georgetown President John DeGioia said Monday.
After pronouncing he would leave federal service last year, Fauci said he looked forward to the “next chapter” of his life.
“I have had the enormous privilege of serving and advising seven U. S. presidents. “The U. S. Department of Agriculture, starting with President Ronald Reagan, on the threats of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, adding HIV/AIDS, West Nile virus, anthrax attacks, pandemic influenza, threats from bird flu, Ebola and Zika, among others, and of course, at most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic,” Fauci added.
Fauci, who is 82, was under pressure last year to make resigning not a retirement, but only a replacement “to continue advancing science and public fitness and to motivate and mentor the next generation of clinical leaders. “
“I like coming home,” he said.
“But given what I’ve been through, I think what I have to offer is delight and inspiration for the younger generation of students. . . If I can do that, I think I’ll make a major contribution to Georgetown. “. “