White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci to step down in December after more than 50 years of public service

Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks about the Omicron coronavirus variant during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, December 1, 2021.

The nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, will step down from his roles running the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and advising the White House at the end of the year.

Fauci has become a household name during the Covid-19 Pandemic, battling back misinformation from the highest levels of government. He became a quasi-celebrity because of his steadfast commitment to science, challenging former President Donald Trump on everything from the use of hydroxychloroquine to mask mandates.

The 81-year-old has advised seven U.S. presidents, starting with Ronald Reagan through the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Fauci said that he has no plans to retire.

Fauci plans to pursue the next phase of his career after more than 50 years of government service. I want to use what I have learned as NIAID Director to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientific leaders as they help prepare the world to face future infectious disease threats.

He joined the National Institute of Health at the age of 27 and rose through the ranks to become the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

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