The American Pediatric Society (APS) and the Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and their families.  As advocates for children, we have become especially concerned about the adverse medical, psychological, and social consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on children and youth.

As current and former presidents of the American Pediatric Society (APS) and the Society for Pediatric Research (SPR), we express our strong support for Dr. Anthony Fauci and his efforts to use science and public health to guide our response to the coronavirus pandemic.  Dr. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984, has served as a key advisor to several administrations guiding the US response to critical infectious threats, beginning with HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. Often called America’s doctor, Dr. Fauci is a national treasure.  He reflects the best of science, medicine, and public health; he leads with integrity, with conclusions and recommendations based on the strongest scientific data available.  Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Fauci’s synthesis of the problem at hand is always focused on the best interests of our country.

Coronavirus hovers like a silent threat, as we define the best approach to this unprecedented challenge.  Throughout the world, untold millions have been infected and over half a million people have died, including many Americans.  Without a national strategy that incorporates widespread testing and contact tracing, the full scale of this pandemic will remain unknown.  Tragically, the pandemic has highlighted the risks to vulnerable and underserved populations and reminds us that healthcare is a human right.

Scientists all over the globe are engaged in an unprecedented research and treatment effort to develop a vaccine and effective therapies for this complex virus. Never before in our long medical careers, have biomedical researchers, physicians, and other healthcare personnel been more needed and valued by society.

Science, effective public health measures, and outstanding medical care must guide our response to this pandemic. We understand that as knowledge of the virus and the pandemic grows, recommendations will likely change.  These recommendations must consider the health and well-being of our nation’s children and youth. We trust Dr. Fauci, as a voice of wisdom, whose comments reflect a deep understanding of science, medicine, and public health and who has a wonderful ability to communicate with the public.  Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Fauci has courageously addressed global infectious threats. In short, Dr. Anthony Fauci reflects the very best of science and medicine for the public good.

As a thank you to Dr. Fauci—and because this is the right thing to do– let’s follow his sound advice.  Please wash your hands often, wear masks, stay distanced from others, and remember to stay home and isolate yourself if you are ill.

American Pediatric Society and Society for Pediatric Research

Presidents, 2021-2005

Steven Abman, MD
Shari Barkin, MD, MSHS
Mark Batshaw, MD
Maria Britto, MD, MPH
David Cornfield, MD
Stephanie Davis, MD
Phyllis Dennery, MD
Sherin Devaskar, MD
Donna Ferriero, MD, MS
Gary Fleisher, MD
Gary Freed, MD, MPH
Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH
Susan Furth, MD, PhD
Bruce Gelb, MD
Michelle Gill, MD, PhD
Lisa Guay-Woodford, MD
William Hay, Jr., MD
Joel Hirschhorn, MD, PhD
Margaret Hostetter, MD
David Ingram, MD
Jake Kushner, MD
Brendan Lee, MD, PhD
Mary Leonard, MD, MS
George Lister, MD
Edward McCabe, MD, PhD
Steven Miller, MD, CM
Alan Schwartz, MD, PhD
Phil Shaul, MD
Bruder Stapleton, MD
Robin Steinhorn, MD
David Stevenson, MD
Barbara Stoll, MD
Constantine Stratakis, MD, DSc
Beth Tarini, MD, MS