Remembering Dr. Richard Zapanta 

LAC+USC Medical Center Foundation, Inc. Board Treasurer

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Dr. Richard Zapanta, a fourth-generation Mexican-American, was born and raised in East Los Angeles. He graduated from Garfield High School, East Los Angeles College and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern California in 1968.  In 1973, he received his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He completed a one-year straight surgical internship, one-year neurology residency, and a four-year orthopedic residency at the LAC+USC Medical Center. Dr. Zapanta has been in private practice since 1979 and was the senior partner of Eastside Orthopedic Medical Associates, through which he served the community where he was raised.

Dr. Zapanta leaves a vast legacy of philanthropic and civic leadership. He served as Treasurer of the LAC+USC Medical Center Foundation, Inc. since 2010, committing much of his time and passion to the conceptualization and implementation of the Foundation's flagship program, The Wellness Center at the Historic General Hospital. The Wellness Center is a resource hub on the hospital campus providing free-of-charge support services to patients and the community residents addressing healthcare access, legal assistance, chronic disease prevention and management, behavioral health, domestic violence support, food security and housing. 

Dr. Zapanta’s philanthropic leadership inspired him to serve as a director or trustee on numerous boards including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Whittier College, AltaMed Health Services Foundation, and the LA Health Foundation. Furthermore, Dr. Zapanta contributed his time and talent in support of the East Los Angeles College Foundation, Hispanic Outreach Task Force, Latino Medical Student Association, National Hispanic Medical Association Foundation, Los Angeles Music and Art School, Orthopedic Research and Educational Fund, Disabled American Veterans, National Medical Fellowships, COPE Health Solutions, and the Museum of Latin American Art.

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Dr. Zapanta is survived by his wife, Rebecca Zapanta, five adult children, Gina, Valerie, Joseph, Gregory and Richard Jr., and three grandchildren, Sofia, Valentina and Arthur. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers please send donations in support of The Wellness Center at www.thewellnesscenterla.org/donate.

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Dr. Zapanta (Center) with LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis (to his right) and LAC+USC Medical Center Board of Directors (left to right): Jorge Orozco, Kathleen Salazar, Allen Miller, Rosa Soto, Dr. Janina Morrison, Teresa Nuno, Dr. Tony Kuo