America’s Covid Crush

Americans seem to be in love with Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Sexiest man alive or not, Dr. Anthony Fauci is focused on keeping the public safe. He’s done just that for well over 30 years, and plans to continue his career in public health into the foreseeable future. “I think Anthony Fauci’s naming as People magazine’s Sexiest Man alive shows the public’s desire for a man in the medical field— I mean, what’s hotter than getting your blood pressure and temperature taken?” SPHS alumnus Vivian Flanagan said.

Sexiest man alive or not, Dr. Anthony Fauci is focused on keeping the public safe. He’s done just that for well over 30 years, and plans to continue his career in public health into the foreseeable future. “I think Anthony Fauci’s naming as “People” magazine’s Sexiest Man alive shows the public’s desire for a man in the medical field— I mean, what’s hotter than getting your blood pressure and temperature taken?” SPHS alumnus Vivian Flanagan said.

Nick Ivey, Staff Writer
April 25, 2020

In times of crisis, people look towards their leaders for guidance, strength, and compassion. One such leader has inspired countless people to do their part during this pandemic; to stay at home, to stay safe and to stay healthy. Dr. Anthony Fauci has served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, and his resume includes making significant advances in understanding and defeating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and was ranked 13th among the three million most-cited scientists in all fields of published research. Dr. Fauci is taking a prominent role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic, leading the Trump Administration’s White House Coronavirus Task Force.

While this is all remarkable, there is one thing that doesn’t quite make sense: why is Dr. Fauci now a nationwide heartthrob?

That’s right, in the midst of this pandemic, Dr. Fauci seems to be America’s sweetheart. On change.org, there’s even a petition to make Anthony Fauci People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” Although it was likely created just for kicks and giggles, this petition has well over 25 thousand signatures. Some SPHS students are going along with the joke, like senior Emily Allgair. “Smart is sexy, and that is an important message that we need to pass on to our younger generations,” Allgair said.

Senior Jared Smith absolutely agrees. “I would give anything to see it happen; however, I also think that he’s doing a great job and I find his knowledge very reassuring during this trying time,” Smith said.

Not everyone finds the joke funny, like senior Karl Schultz. “I think calling him the sexiest man alive is making a pointless joke out of somebody that is doing an incredibly important job,” Schultz says. To some like Schultz, the joke seems tasteless at best.

“He’s really doing the best he can, and I think it’s kind of disrespectful to make fun of him like this. I signed the petition, though,” junior Keegan Foley said.

Multiple fan accounts created in honor of Dr. Fauci have popped up all over social media as well. Twitter user @FauciFan is one such example. They’ve garnered 22 thousand followers just for posting photos of him and nothing more. “Fan Club of NIAID’s very own Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, MD,” @FauciFan said in their bio. This is just one of dozens of accounts created to praise him, with thousands more giving thanks and recognition to the doctor during these trying times. “Here’s a hot take: Dr. Fauci is cute as a button and the public health leader we need and I would like to kiss him on the forehead but I wouldn’t because of social distancing,” twitter user @pi_1994 said.

Dr. Fauci has proven to be an invaluable member of the country’s leadership during this difficult time. His daily reminders to stay focused on staying healthy are reassuring for Americans, and while thirsting for Dr. Fauci won’t stop the pandemic at all, it will definitely keep us entertained.