Astrid H. Heger, MD
Director
Dr. Astrid H. Heger is Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and founder of the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. Over a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, she has become nationally recognized for developing innovative systems that support vulnerable children and families through integrated medical, psychological, legal, and community services.
Her expertise extends beyond pediatric medicine into nonprofit leadership, multidisciplinary program development, family advocacy, and compassionate systems of care. Dr. Heger’s work reflects the same principles that guide the GRACE Network: helping families navigate life’s most difficult moments with knowledge, support, and compassion.
Her experience in building sustainable nonprofit programs and creating coordinated systems of family support brings invaluable perspective to the Board as the Foundation develops its vision of a “Pandemic of Compassion” for families living with rare disease.
Primary Responsibilities
- Family support strategy
- Program development
- Nonprofit leadership and organizational growth
- Community partnerships
- Strategic guidance on compassionate systems of care
