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Director’s Album – Videos

Taking Down COVID-19

Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins

I recently spoke with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Drew McIntyre to take down COVID-19. I made the case to all WWE fans that the best way to get past the COVID-19 pandemic is for as many people as possible to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated. I also told everyone listening about We Can Do This, four words to type into their browsers to access evidence-based answers to questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. We spoke virtually on May 13.


On A Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins

It was fun appearing virtually on A Late Show with Stephen Colbert on May 24. In this clip taken from our longer conversation, Stephen asked for my thoughts on the nation emerging carefully back to public life and the future challenges of attaining herd immunity in the U.S. to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Stephen also mentioned my Christian faith. That gave me a chance to talk about my ongoing conversations with others of faith to encourage them to accept the gift of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Here Comes the Sun

Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins


On April 8, I sent a coronavirus update to NIH staff titled “Gratitude for All You Do.” The update included a link to this video, and these words:

No one will deny that this last year has been a struggle for all of us. But now, because of your contributions, we have real reason for hope. As I’ve been known to do, I’ve turned to music to share my gratitude for all you do. This song is a different take on George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” made famous by the Beatles. As with all things, I had the help of many talented people in the creation of this music video: Carrie Wolinetz, who “COVIDized” the song lyrics; my wife Diane, who I heavily rely on for her videography skills (and most other things in life); Wole Akinso, who produced and mixed the video so that I could play both guitar and piano; and my cat Zoe, who in typical cat fashion, made a cameo appearance. I never thought I’d sing a song that has the words “herd immunity” in it, but here we are. I hope this version of the song puts a smile on your faces.

I wish the same for all who watch this video. It’s been a long, dark COVID winter.

A Song for the Holidays

Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins

Here’s a song that I dedicated to NIH staff for the Thanksgiving holiday, adding a new verse about the COVID-19 pandemic. But the song’s message is appropriate any time of the year. So, I’m sharing it here on my blog to wish everyone a joyous holiday season.


The Children’s Inn Turns 30

Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins


The Children’s Inn at NIH just celebrated its 30th anniversary. In just three decades, The Children’s Inn has given more than 15,000 children, young adults, and their families a second home while at NIH participating in research studies. To mark this wonderful milestone, I recorded the song, “Somewhere Past the Pandemic. Enjoy!

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