Dr. Louis A. Vismara is an interventional cardiologist and a parent of four children. Since his son Mark was diagnosed with autism, he has dedicated himself to issues of child development, learning differences, diversity and access to health care for under-served populations. Lou was a co-founder of the UC Davis MIND Institute and currently serves as the chairperson of the MIND Advisory Board. Lou was also a founding member of the Proposition 10, First 5 California State Commission. Presently he is a member of multiple advisory organizations, including the UC Davis School of Education.

In 2000 Dr. Vismara changed careers, retiring from his medical career to work as a full-time senior policy consultant for the California State Senate.  Lou has worked on numerous health-related initiatives and was instrumental in the formation of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism. Currently, Lou is a senior member of Sen. Darrell Steinberg’s staff and also serves as the chief consultant to the Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders.

Lou, who was born in Italy and immigrated with his family to San Diego as a child, is the recipient of a BA degree from Stanford University and an MD degree from Baylor College of Medicine. Prior to starting a cardiovascular group practice at Mercy General Hospital, Lou was a Cardiology Fellow and faculty member at the UC Davis Health System.