On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service

by Anthony Fauci

As long as I can remember, I have had a muted disdain for new administrative leaders who take over an institution and, before they really understand the place, feel compelled to make changes just to show that they are in charge.

Importantly, to win over the skeptics, I learned that the cause for which you are advocating must be legitimate, worthy, and not motivated by self-interest; your arguments must be evidence based; and you must be truthful and consistent in your reasons for asking for resources. People quickly see through anything less than that.

It is difficult to describe to young people now who were not yet born or who were too young at the time what it felt like to not know when there would randomly be another attack that could harm or kill.