A group of Republicans is urging Dr. Anthony Fauci to apologize for his comment about Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kans.).
The GOP Doctors Caucus explained in their letter to Fauci, “While certain medical disease states lend themselves easily to physician consensus, we have seen anything but that during this pandemic.”
They continued, “We have seen unfortunate deprecation by some physicians to other physicians over disagreements in issues dealing with masks, therapeutics as well as vaccines. People expect physicians to be tolerant and always respect diversity. A physician, especially in a national leadership position, who doesn’t respect diversity – which includes diversity of opinion – reflects poorly on our entire profession.”
The Republicans noted congressional hearings can be “challenging,” adding, “However, your behavior in calling Senator, and fellow physician, Roger Marshall a ‘Moron’ was extremely unprofessional and uncalled for.”
The letter argues, “Physician colleagues, even when they do not agree, should not stoop to calling another colleague a juvenile name.”
It goes on, “The medical profession is one that is normally held in high esteem. This type of behavior undermines the trust that Americans have in physicians.”
Concluding their letter, the Republicans called on Fauci to “make a public apology to Dr. Marshall for your unprofessional comment.”
GOP Doctors Caucus vice chair Rep. Greg Murphy of North Carolina also issued a statement to Fox News.
“Dr. Fauci has forfeited his credibility as a public health expert by placing political science ahead of medical science,” Murphy said.
He added, “Physicians have an obligation to put forward clear, consistent, and well-educated messaging to inform patients and the public. Instead of fulfilling this responsibility, Dr. Fauci has administered confusing and conflicting information in an air of arrogance that has resulted in a marked decrease in the public’s trust.”
Fauci made the comment during a Senate hearing last week after Murphy pressed him on his financial disclosures, as IJR reported.