Spectrum News: Doctor on frontline of COVID-19 pandemic and protests
UC infectious disease expert fights for social justice through medicine
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine is one of the leaders of UC's efforts to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Spectrum News profiled Fichtenbaum, highlighting his mission of social justice through medicine.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, with his guitar. Photo/Lisa Ventre/UC Creative + Brand
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.
Lead photo Joe Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, read more #UCtheGood content, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
UC finds integrating substance use disorder treatment into clinic-based internal medicine expands access to care
May 18, 2026
A University of Cincinnati primary care teaching clinic integrates substance use disorder treatment into resident training, expanding access to addiction care and boosting physician confidence.
Colorado silica dust trial could change the way industry does business
May 17, 2026
Betsy Malloy, Andrew Katsanis Professor of Law, at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with Bloomberg Law about how a Colorado trial could change the way the stone fabrication industry does business.
Driven by curiosity, guided by care
May 14, 2026
Max Wilson, a University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences health sciences major on the pre-physician assistant track, found his path expanding beyond the classroom and into hands-on research focused on human performance and patient care.