Ep 8 – Dr. Tony Fauci – Zika news, Tackling AIDS and Service to Others

Dr. Anthony “Tony” Fauci is one of the most influential and important doctors in the world today. He has advised five presidents in his over 32 years as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at The National Institute of Health (NIH). Dr. Tony Fauci has helped to save millions of lives in the U.S. and in the developing world, as the chief architect and advocate for PEPFAR, President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. In this interview we discuss why he became a doctor, pivotal moments in the fight against AIDS, and the latest in Zika research. Tony stresses the importance of serving others as part of finding your purpose. Highlights: * Tony’s story on how he came to work at NIH * Key moments in the fight against AIDS * Importance of flexibility in infectious disease research * Zika vaccine research * Zika mosquito cross breeding research with Wolbachia * Tony’s advice on purpose and self care Bio: Dr. Fauci was appointed Director of NIAID in 1984. He oversees an extensive research portfolio of basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose, and treat established infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis and malaria as well as emerging diseases such as Ebola and Zika. NIAID also supports research on transplantation and immune-related illnesses, including autoimmune disorders, asthma and allergies. The NIAID budget for fiscal year 2016 is approximately $4.6 billion. Dr. Fauci has advised five Presidents and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on HIV/AIDS and many other domestic and global health issues. He was one of the principal architects of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has saved millions of lives throughout the developing world. Links: * National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases * Tony’s Ted Med Talk on Embracing Flexibility in Science * President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief * Full Biography