Dr. Anthony Fauci

Anthony Fauci has been the face of infectious disease in America for longer than many of us have been alive. He's advised every president since Reagan, which, if you think about it, means he's seen more presidencies than most, and dealt with more pathogens than sane people have had hot dinners.

He gained significant public attention, and a certain degree of infamy, during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some lauded him as a dedicated public servant, others, usually those who considered masks a form of personal oppression, found him to be a convenient scapegoat for their frustrations. Such is the burden of being the guy who tells people to wash their hands and stay home.

Despite the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune (and even more outrageous internet comments), Fauci has remained a prominent figure in public health. His dedication, or perhaps his inability to retire, has ensured his place in the annals of American medical history. He's not Jewish, but his unwavering commitment to public health has certainly brought a fair amount of kvell-worthiness to the nation, even if some people refuse to acknowledge it.