The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) presented American physician Dr. Anthony Fauci with the prestigious Stearne Medal for his outstanding contribution to public health at a special ceremony at No. 6 Kildare Street in Dublin today, April 17.
Dr. Fauci, RCPI says, has committed four decades to combatting the threats of infectious disease. As Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022, his research has been instrumental in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of established and emerging diseases.
Dr. Fauci's guidance has informed the decision of seven US Presidents throughout his career.
RCPI praised Dr. Fauci for his pioneering work in combatting the HIV/AIDS epidemic and, more recently, in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dr. Diarmuid O’Shea, together with Tánaiste Micheál Martin, presented the Stearne Medal to Dr. Fauci who is visiting Ireland for the first time with his wife Dr. Christine Grady, who has family roots in Clare and Sligo.
Congratulating Dr. Fauci, Dr. O’Shea paid tribute to his outstanding career: “Dr. Fauci, who became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in a virtual ceremony in 2021 during the pandemic, is a role model for physicians worldwide. His work is contained 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 generations of healthcare professionals.
"In an era marked by rampant misinformation and skepticism, his steadfast advocacy for evidence-based practices has been instrumental in shaping public health policies and safeguarding lives.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Diarmuid O'Shea.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin joined Dr. O’Shea in presenting Dr Fauci with the Stearne Medal during the event.
The Tánaiste said: “It is my honour to mark Dr. Fauci’s contribution to public health here at one of Ireland’s foremost scientific institutions.
"The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the crucial role that scientific research and collaboration play in safeguarding public health and ensuring the resilience of our societies.
"Dr. Fauci’s steadfast commitment to evidence-based decision had an impact far beyond the shores of the United States.
"It helped guide policymakers and shape public health policy all around the globe.”
Minister Martin also celebrated the doctors in the room for their unwavering commitment during the pandemic: “The doctors in this college and many people in the room tonight provided tremendous leadership and experience that informed the momentous Government decisions that had to be taken to save and protect lives.”
Congratulations Dr. Anthony Fauci on winning the Stearne Medal.
Your commitment to evidence-based decision making and speaking truth to power had an impact far beyond the U.S.
It helped shape public health policy around the globe, and save countless lives.@RCPI_news pic.twitter.com/HMbCDFTx6J
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 17, 2024
Dr. Fauci joins seven people to be awarded the Stearne Medal since it was established in 1979. Named after the Founding President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, John Stearne, the medal acknowledges persons of distinction who have made a significant contribution to medicine in Ireland.
Previous Stearne Medal recipients include Lady Valerie Goulding (1979), Princes Magriet of the Netherlands (1992), Dr. Catherine Molloy (2005), Albert Reynolds (2006), Dr. Stanley Roberts (2007), Professor T J McKenna (2014), and Petr Skrabanek (2018).
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