Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Awards Dr Anthony Fauci Prestigious Stearne Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Health
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland awards preeminent physician, Dr Anthony Fauci the prestigious Stearne Medal for his outstanding contribution to public health at a special ceremony at No. 6 Kildare Street on Wednesday, 17 April 2024.
A renowned American doctor and scientist, Dr Fauci 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 informed the decisions of seven U.S. presidents during his career. His pioneering work in combatting the HIV/AIDS epidemic and, more recently, in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic saved millions of lives.
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.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin joined Dr O’Shea in presenting Dr Fauci with the Stearne Medal during the event.
“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 critical 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 expertise that informed the momentous Government decisions that had to be taken to save and protect lives.”
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), Mr Albert Reynolds (2006), Dr Stanley Roberts (2007), Prof T J McKenna (2014), and Petr Skrabanek (2018).