John Hisserich began his career at the Charles Drew Postgraduate School after serving three years of active duty in the U.S. Army, obtaining his BA in political science from Cal State LA and completing his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Public Health at UCLA. At the Drew School he was administrator of the first MEDEX Physician Assistant training program in California. He went from Drew to USC to serve as Director of the Cancer Surveillance Program, Deputy Director of the Norris Cancer Center and, after 34 years, retired as Associate Vice President for Health Affairs and Clinical Associate Professor of Community Medicine.
Pursuing his interest in the interface between public policy and health care, Dr. Hisserich joined the staff of Assembly member Paul Krekorian who subsequently became a Los Angeles City Council member. Hisserich’s role on the staff in both offices focused on public safety and emergency medical services. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to serve on several boards and commissions including, among others, the California Coastal Commission. The Committee of Bar Examiners of the California State Bar, the State Board of Food and Agriculture, the Court Reporters Board, the National Cancer Institute Cancer Control Peer Review Committee, the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Commission, and the Board of Directors oof the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center. In addition, Hisserich served 43 years as a Reserve Deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, assisting with the investigation of child abuse cases, and also serving as an instructor for inmates participating in the Education Based Incarceration Program.