Dr. Anthony Fauci declared Monday that he will step down in December from several government positions.
Fauci made remarks about his post in the past months. He told Politico in July that in December he would be retiring from various government roles. The 81-year-old made the speculation official on Monday, issuing a press release noting his plans to step down from his current roles as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Biden’s Chief Medical Advisor.
” “I will be quitting these positions in December to continue the next chapter in my career,” Fauci stated in a release.
Fauci stated in a press release that he would not be retiring from his current positions but will instead “continue to give my best effort, passion, and commitment” for his new responsibilities until his departure.
“After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career while I still have so much energy and passion for my field. Fauci stated that he wanted to apply the knowledge he gained as NIAID director to help advance science and public healthcare and inspire and mentor scientists as they prepare for future epidemics.
Biden issues a statement praising Dr. Fauci amid news of his upcoming departure: pic.twitter.com/NxtjkG1fiE
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) August 22, 2022
Biden praised Fauci in a statement shortly after the announcement, describing him “as a dedicated public servant, and a steady hand with wisdom and insight honed over decades at the forefront of some of our most dangerous and challenging public health crises.”
“As he leaves his position in the U.S. Government, I know the American people and the entire world will continue to benefit from Dr. Fauci’s expertise in whatever he does next,” Biden wrote.
Fauci has served as the director of the NIAID for 38 years, beginning under former President Ronald Reagan. He advised former President Donald Trump at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to serve as an advisor for Biden. (RELATED: Fauci Says He Doesn’t Regret Missing His Kids’ Childhoods Because His Work Is So Important)
Throughout his lengthy government career, Fauci was often criticized for decisions he made, particularly regarding the H.I.V./AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, The New York Times noted.
