Documenting Dr. Fauci's career
When Dr. Anthony Fauci announced his pending retirement last week, the first news stories invariably noted both his long tenure as the nation's chief infectious disease authority and how he became a political target.
As a public figure like Fauci walks away from his official role, journalism has a lot of work to do, often in a short time. Stories must report the span of Fauci's career, the major health crises he's confronted, and mention the critiques he's endured.
Fauci supporters take umbrage at the inclusion of the criticism. One audience member wrote to tell us that mentioning those who find fault with Fauci in the same breath as his accomplishments does the doctor a disservice.
Fauci detractors bristle at the accolades, which are often mentioned in opening sentences and carry more weight in most stories.
Journalism's job is to chronicle the significance of the departure. The profession's role as a draft of history looms large and will continue to do so
