CINCINNATI, Ohio—It’s no secret that frontline workers during this pandemic have been heroes for our communities. But one doctor that is facing the COVID-19 pandemic every day at work is making sure his voice is still heard in times of social injustice. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum is an infectious disease doctor and is also passionate about fighting against social injustice

  • Dr. Fichtenbaum says the pandemic has been tough on everyone, but he's been focusing on research to help find a better way to treat COVID-19

  • Dr. Fichtenbaum says it's important for people, even doctors and scientists, to make their voice heard when they believe something unjust has happened

 

Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum decided he wanted to be a doctor in high school. But he wasn’t sure which path of medicine he would take until his residency during the HIV and AIDS outbreak

“While I was in my residency in medical school there was this emerging strange disease that was afflicting people and there was a lot of social injustice around it," Dr. Fichtenbaum said.

Dr. Fichtenbaum says he was heavily influenced by his parents, as they fought against social injustice in the 60s. So being an infectious disease doctor seemed to be the right fit.

“That wanting to help people and wanting to make a difference and so I think that’s what got me interested in infectious diseases," he said.

That’s why during one of the most stressful times in his career, he still made sure to make his voice heard this summer after George Floyd’s death.

“I think it’s very important to speak up whenever you hear about any sort of social injustice. Injustice for one is an injustice for all," he said.

Dr. Fichtenbaum participated in protests this summer in downtown Cincinnati. He says doctors and scientists are people too and should be able to share their opinions. 

“I’m a firm believer in being a positive influence and working for causes of social justice and meaningful change to try and improve the lives of people," Dr. Fichtenbaum said.

But now, as Dr. Fichtenbaum continues to be on the frontlines of the pandemic, focusing on research and solutions, he says his biggest message to the community during this time in our country is to have hope. 

“It’s tough," he said. "But I think you have to put one food in front of the other. We always have to have hope. I think we’ve made a lot of advances, we have a much greater understanding and we’re moving as fast as we can to try to find some solution.”