Dr Anthony Fauci given prestigious award at Royal College ceremony

Dr Anthony Fauci, who became the calm voice of reason during daily White House briefings with then-president Donald Trump during the height of the pandemic, was honoured by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in Dublin yesterday evening.

He was awarded the prestigious Stearne Medal for his outstanding contribution to public health.

It is the first visit to Ireland for New York-born Dr Fauci (83), who spent four decades combating the threats of infectious disease.

As director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022, his research was instrumental in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of established and emerging diseases, said the college.

He served under seven US presidents and his research and work covered HIV, Ebola and swine flu. He spent 40 years directing America’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

However, it was his prominence in the response of the US to the Covid-19 pandemic which made him a household name here.

President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, along with Tánaiste Micheál Martin, presented the Stearne Medal to Dr Fauci at a ceremony in Dublin.

He was accompanied by his wife Dr Christine Grady, who has family roots in Clare and Sligo.

Dr O’Shea paid tribute to his outstanding career, saying he had already become a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in a virtual ceremony in 2021 during the pandemic.

He described him as a role model for physicians worldwide. His work is featured in the textbooks that millions of medical students study and he is one of the most cited scientific researchers in the world.

“His tireless efforts in advancing the frontiers of medical science have saved millions of lives and his courage, leadership and passionate advocacy for science will continue to inspire,” said Dr O’Shea.

“In an era marked by rampant misinformation and scepticism, his steadfast advocacy for evidence-based practices has been instrumental in shaping public health policies and safeguarding lives.”

Mr Martin said Dr Fauci helped guide policymakers and shape public health policy “all around the globe”.

Dr Fauci is due to publish his memoir On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service in June.