Senior Vice President for Health Affairs USC
Shapiro was appointed senior vice president for health affairs in May 2021. In that role he oversees Keck Medicine of USC and the university’s five health sciences schools, including the Keck School of Medicine and the Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Shapiro joined USC after 15 years at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which runs 40 separate hospitals. He also works closely with USC’s senior leadership team and serves as a member of the USC Health System Board. A physician-scientist, Shapiro’s research has led to several potential therapies that are in clinical trials.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
After being told early in my career that I was too nice to lead, I adopted the following mindset: “Being warm and caring is important in leadership if you can still make the tough decisions.”
What’s your favorite movie, all time and in any category?
“La La Land.” It is a beautiful bittersweet story of hopes, dreams and pain as only can happen in Los Angeles.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Moving to Los Angeles. Oh, wait, I did that three years ago. I’ll start working on the next bucket list item.
What was your first car?
A very used 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. It was fast, not very safe, and eventually stolen in Chicago.
Would you like to have it back?
As for now, I will stick with my electric vehicle.
What’s the best thing about living in Los Angeles?
A few things: USC, the diversity and creativity of Angelenos and watching the weather back East in the winter. (I know I shouldn’t enjoy it so much, but I do.)
YEARS ON LA500: 2
