The 2020 ARP Merit Awards & ACR Distinguished Fellows

In accepting the award, Dr. Fauci said, “As some of you may know, I started my NIH career studying rheumatological disease in the laboratory of the late Sheldon Wolff, [MD]. So, as an erstwhile rheumatologist, it is my special honor to be recognized with the ACR Distinguished Global Public Health Award. Thank you for this recognition and for all your good work, especially during these difficult times.”

In closing remarks, Gregg Silverman, MD, professor of medicine at NYU Langone Grossman School of Medicine and Basic Science Subchair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee, recalled working under Tony Fauci early in his career in infectious disease research. “He is a preeminent example of a physician-scientist and a role model for all of us. Let’s all be proud of what Tony has given us. Who could be a more appropriate candidate for the 2020 Distinguished Global Health Award,” Dr. Silverman said. “If this were not a Zoom-virtual world right now, I would ask everyone in the audience to stand and give Tony a well-deserved round of applause.”

Susan Bernstein is a freelance journalist based in Atlanta.