Dr. Maurice Shaw

Dr. Maurice Shaw is an entertainer who has built a dual career as both a clinical pharmacist and a professional stand-up comedian. Shaw earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Doctorate of Pharmacy from Chicago State University College of Pharmacy. He completed a PGY1 community pharmacy residency with University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. His daily interactions with patients, where he often used humor, led him to pursue stand-up comedy.

Shaw is known for his clean, observational humor, drawing from the everyday challenges of retail pharmacy. His experiences as a pharmacist and pharmacy manager in some of Chicago's most challenging neighborhoods, as a retail pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his involvement in vaccination efforts at long-term care facilities inform his comedy routine. He also creates videos depicting the realities pharmacists face, from interactions with customers to managing pharmacy staff. His content resonates with healthcare professionals and general audiences, building a significant following both online and on stage.

Shaw has performed at major comedy clubs throughout the Midwest, including Zanies, Laugh Factory Chicago, Donnie B's, and the Comedy Shrine. He has been featured in Pharmacy Times and the New York Times, and performs at conventions and pharmaceutical events. His ability to connect the worlds of healthcare and entertainment has made him a frequent speaker at industry gatherings, where he addresses the realities of pharmacy life with both expertise and humor.

Shaw's career has included challenges, including being dismissed from Walgreens after seven years of performing comedy. He has used this experience to advocate for safer working conditions in pharmacy, using his platform to highlight the need for better support for pharmacy staff. Shaw speaks candidly about pharmacist burnout, race, and the pressures of frontline healthcare work, further establishing his credibility and connection with audiences. His live discussions address topics such as the catharsis of comedy, pharmacist understaffing, and the experience of being Black in healthcare and working in minority communities. Shaw demonstrates how professional experience, combined with comedic skill, can foster meaningful conversations and lasting impact in both healthcare and entertainment.