Dr. Anthony Fauci has learned a lot during his decades-long professional career, particularly over the past year as the federal government’s point person on the coronavirus pandemic.
Fauci talked about what he described as five important issues he’s learned since his graduation in remarks delivered remotely Sunday as the guest speaker at Emory University’s commencement ceremony.
Here they are in order:
- Expect the unexpected. Fauci recalled many experts said the war against infectious diseases had been won when he started his medical career in 1968. Pundits, he said, can be wrong. He noted the discovery of AIDS in June 1981 and, more recently, COVID-19. “Please believe me that you’ll confront the same types of unpredictable events that I’ve experienced, regardless of what direction your lives might take.”
- Society’s failings. Fauci said the pandemic has exposed health disparities among some racial and ethnic groups that must be better addressed, such as inadequate diets, lack of access to healthcare and “the undeniable effects of racism in our society.”
- Public Service and Social Responsibility. Fauci told the graduates they should and can find ways to help others, regardless of their career choices.
- Leadership. Fauci said this generation has shown it values inclusiveness, embraces diversity and lauded them for using social media to address global challenges. He told the students they can address society’s issues in different ways. “You cannot do it alone,” Fauci said. “But it cannot be done without you and your leadership.”
- Joy. Fauci insisted America will emerge strong from the pandemic and urged the graduates to “find your source of joy and happiness and fully embrace it.”
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