Succeeds Peck as executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, dean
By Kimberly Leydig
Larry J. Shapiro, M.D. -- an internationally renowned research geneticist and pediatrician associated with the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine -- will become Washington University's executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine July 1, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.
Shapiro will succeed William A. Peck, M.D., who last year announced his intention to retire as dean and executive vice chancellor, effective June 30, 2003.
 |
| Photo by Bob Boston |
| Attending a Dec. 6 reception at Harbison House are (from left) William A. Peck, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine; Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton; and Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., who on July 1 will succeed Peck. |
Peck will lead an effort to establish a center for health policy at the University, and he will continue as the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor in Medicine.
"I am delighted that a person of Larry Shapiro's stature and experience will assume the role of executive vice chancellor and dean of one of the world's leading schools of medicine," Wrighton said. "He is an accomplished teacher, a groundbreaking scientist and a strong administrative leader. I know he will build upon our strengths in biomedical research and clinical care, and upon the progress made under the leadership of Bill Peck."
Shapiro's appointment was endorsed by the Board of Trustees at its Dec. 6 meeting. (See story, Page 2.) The search committee that recommended him was chaired by Richard H. Gelberman, M.D., the Fred C. Reynolds Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and head of that department.
"An outstanding scientist, educator and practicing physician, Larry Shapiro has the broad scope of experience in academic medicine needed to match the challenges the School of Medicine will face over the coming decades," Gelberman said. "Furthermore, his commitment to Washington University over the years will enhance his ability to lead the medical school."
The School of Medicine has roughly 7,000 employees, 1,000 students and $900 million in total annual revenue.
"I am extremely grateful to be given this opportunity to work on behalf of an institution that has contributed so much to the advancement of science and medical care," Shapiro said. "I look forward to interacting with the dedicated and extraordinarily talented faculty, the optimistic and intellectually challenging students and trainees, and the hardworking and gifted staff that comprise the Washington University School of Medicine.
"I am inspired by their commitment not to rest upon past accomplishment, but to accelerate efforts that will result in the betterment of health for all."
About Larry J. Shapiro
Shapiro is the W.H. and Marie Wattis Distinguished Professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. He has been the chief of pediatric services at UCSF Children's Hospital since his arrival there in 1991.
Throughout his career, Shapiro has been recognized internationally for his research in human genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. His contributions to academic medicine include patient care, research, teaching and administration.
Shapiro is a member of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Shapiro is a member of many professional societies and organizations and has served as the president of the American Society of Human Genetics, the American Board of Medical Genetics, the Society for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, the Western Society for Pediatric Research and the Society for Pediatric Research.
He is president-elect of the American Pediatric Society.
Shapiro earned undergraduate and medical degrees from Wash-ington University.
He distinguished himself academically and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha national honor societies. While at the University, he was the recipient of the Robert Carter Medical School Prize in 1968 and also was awarded the University's George F. Gill Prize in Pediatrics in 1971.
In 1996, he received the University's prestigious Alumni Achievement Award.
After completing his residency at St. Louis Children's Hospital in 1973, he became a research associate at the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive Diseases, in the Section on Human Biochemical Genetics.
In 1975, Shapiro joined the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine as assistant professor of pediatrics and director of the Harbor-UCLA Genetic Metabolic Laboratory. Eight years later, he was named professor of pediatrics and of biological chemistry, and in 1986, he became chief of the Division of Medical Genetics.
During his years at UCLA, Shapiro also was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator.
While at UCSF, Shapiro directed and expanded one of the leading academic pediatric departments in the country and helped to establish the UCSF Children's Hospital. He also spearheaded the university's participation in the Glaser Pediatric Research Network, a driving force in improving research and care for children with HIV and AIDS.
A Chicago native, Shapiro is married to Carol-Ann Uetake. He has three children: Jennifer, 30; Jessica, 26; and Brian, 22.
Jennifer (1994) and Brian (2002) are both Arts & Sciences graduates of Washington University.