Stephen Shapiro, MD, selected to lead Gundersen Medical Foundation

Every day, Gundersen Medical Foundation and Gundersen Health System work together to provide unparalleled patient care and experience through medical research, community health outreach, innovative programming, and development of generous financial contributions from many people in the communities we serve.

Stephen Shapiro, MD, FACS, will soon lead these efforts. Dr. Shapiro has accepted the role of chief medical foundation officer. In addition to overseeing Gundersen Medical Foundation operations, Dr. Shapiro will also serve as chair of the Gundersen Medical Foundation Board of Directors.

"My first experience at Gundersen was in 1992 with an excellent rotation in Anesthesia while I was a medical student at the University of Wisconsin,” Dr. Shapiro recalls. "When I was looking for a surgical position in 2003, Gundersen was the first place I considered due to the organization's commitment to patient care. Additionally, I was excited to start a surgical career in a place so committed to medical education and research to achieve outstanding quality of care for our community. It's amazing to think back on my medical school rotation and the positive impact Gundersen Medical Foundation had and how, years later, I will be in a leadership position to continue and improve on what has made Gundersen a special place for generations of patients and students."

"Dr. Shapiro has broad leadership experience throughout our system, resulting in deep understanding of the imperative of aligned goals and purpose,” shares Scott Rathgaber, MD, chief executive officer, Gundersen Health System. "He has demonstrated connection with research, education, and the community, positioning him well to successfully lead Gundersen Medical Foundation. This position is vital to supporting our collective mission, and I look forward to working together with Dr. Shapiro to deliver on our promise to the people and communities we serve."

Dr. Shapiro will officially transition to this role early in 2020, partnering with Sig Gundersen III, MD, prior to his retirement to assure a smooth transition of leadership.

"I am extremely pleased and excited with Dr. Shapiro's acceptance," Dr. Gundersen shares. "He has the heart and skills that provide a confidence in the future of Gundersen Medical Foundation and Gundersen Health System. I have worked with Dr. Shapiro both in the operating room and the board room, and I have witnessed first-hand his commitment to patients, staff and community. The Foundation and Gundersen are in great hands."

More about Stephen Shapiro, MD, FACS

Dr. Shapiro has been an attending general surgeon at Gundersen since 2003 and was department chair 2006 through 2014. In 2018, Dr. Shapiro brought his surgical talent to those in need on separate trips to Ethiopia and Nicaragua through Gundersen Global Partners.

Along with an impressive catalog of clinical research and presentations and multiple teaching honors recognizing his commitment to resident and medical student education, Dr. Shapiro has served on the Gundersen Medical Foundation Board of Directors, Gundersen Health System Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, Gundersen Finance Committee, and Gundersen Envision Board of Directors. Dr. Shapiro is also adjunct faculty at both the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.