Dr. Maurice Shaw, PharmD
Pharmacist | Stand-Up Comedian | Healthcare Advocate
Chicago, IL
"We can't make this stuff up " – Over 20.9 million views!
"Ma'am at this point, you need everything to be sugar-free" – Over 1.2 million views!
50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy (2025): Named a top industry leader for 2025.
Dr. Maurice Shaw is a powerhouse performer and licensed pharmacist whose "professional-meets-performer" profile has made him one of the most compelling voices in both healthcare and entertainment. Transitioning from a career as a retail pharmacist to a national headliner, Dr. Shaw has turned his departure from the corporate pharmacy world into a catalyst for a national movement.
Recognized as one of the "50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy" for 2025, Dr. Shaw’s impact extends far beyond the stage. As a co-founder of The Pharmacy Guild, a national pharmacy union, he has become a central figure in the fight for healthcare labor rights. The Pharmacy Guild has garnered extensive international media coverage from CNN, CNBC, the Financial Times, Becker’s Hospital Review, and Supermarket News, positioning him not only a pharmacist and a comedian, but also a healthcare advocate as well.
On the comedy circuit, Dr. Shaw is a viral sensation and a formidable talent. His stand-up clips have amassed over 50 million views, with his social media platforms consistently attracting 1 million views per month. He is currently a featured performer on the "Heroes Off Duty Comedy Tour," appearing in theaters nationwide. The tour is produced by the veteran team behind the highly successful "Bored Teachers" tour.
A veteran of the stage, Dr. Shaw has headlined and performed at prestigious venues including Zanies, Second City and Laugh Factory Chicago. Dr. Shaw has also performed aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. His rising star has recently led to high-profile auditions for America’s Got Talent and Netflix, further solidifying his reputation as a cross-platform entertainer.
Beyond the traditional comedy circuit, Dr. Shaw is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and educational presenter, seamlessly blending his sharp wit with a powerful message of advocacy. He is a frequent guest at Colleges of Pharmacy and national pharmacy conferences, where he delivers a unique brand of "infotainment" that is as inspiring as it is hilarious.
Whether serving as a keynote speaker, a Continuing Education (CE) presenter, or a guest lecturer, Dr. Shaw provides a transformative experience for his audience. His presentations go beyond the punchline, tackling the complexities of healthcare reform, labor advocacy, and professional burnout with a level of insight only a veteran pharmacist can provide. His ability to move an audience from laughter to action has made him an influential voice for the next generation of healthcare providers.
From comedy clubs to theaters to cruise lines to conferences of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to the lecture halls of the country’s top medical institutions, Dr. Shaw’s message remains consistent: change is necessary, laughter is a tool for survival, and advocacy is a professional duty.