It’s not a secret that I love to read. Vacation offers an opportunity to read a little more than usual. Yesterday I began reading On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service by Dr. Anthony Fauci. Many will know the name from his nearly daily press conferences during the COVID crisis. I gained respect for him seeing how resolute and composed he was, even when standing next to a raving lunatic, whose ideas for COVID management included ingesting bleach.

Dr Fauci had been in Public Service and served under every president since Ronald Regan. His work in the field of infectious disease is remarkable. A Jesuit-educated man he is thoughtful and reasoned. Jesuit philosophy of schooling “develops the whole person, from intellect and imagination to emotions and conscience, and approaches academic subjects holistically, exploring the connections among facts, questions, insights, conclusions, problems, and solutions.”(Fordham University). Reading his book, it is clear that this is a man for whom the humanities is of greatest import. He has approached his whole career as a scientist through the lens of human compassion and dignity.

As someone who is working in a field where change is critical and often difficult, I was heartened by Dr. Fauci’s wisdom on how to move institutions forward.

“Just because no one had ever done something (like this) before did not mean it could not be done. I also realized how important it was to cultivate relationships with people who are in a position to make things happen. 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 … People quickly see through anything less than that. ~ Dr Antony Fauci

Bang on! We all can name those who have foisted illegitimate or ill-thought-out changes – it doesn’t end well. But many of us have also seen the other side – relationships cultivated and built, trust earned, the needs evaluated and studied, changes proposed truthfully and consistently. Changes that are rooted in evidence and the best interest of everyone.

I’m loving the book. I read half yesterday and hope to finish up by tomorrow. If you are looking for a good summer read – pick up On Call.