The Yale School of Medicine (YSM) MD Class of 2023 has selected Anthony Fauci, MD, as its graduation speaker. The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 22.
Fauci joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1968, and has served as director of its National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984. He also is the longtime chief of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation at NIH. Since the start of the Biden administration, he has served as the president’s chief medical advisor. Fauci has been a key advisor to seven presidents and their administrations, beginning with President Ronald Reagan. By his own account, one of his proudest accomplishments was his work with President George W. Bush in developing a global program to combat HIV/AIDS, which has saved an estimated 21 million lives. He played a leading role in the effort to bolster medical and public health preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fauci has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 and the National Medal of Science.
This month, Fauci is expected to leave his federal government roles. In a recent interview with the New York Times, he said he is “not retiring in the classic sense.” Rather, in addition to traveling and writing, he “want[s] to use his experience and insight into public health and public service to ‘hopefully inspire the younger generation.’” Yale School of Medicine’s commencement will be one such opportunity.
The Class of 2023 is honored Fauci has accepted its invitation and excited to welcome him to the Yale School of Medicine campus.