June 2006

NJ DC receives state honors

Ira A. Shapiro, DC, director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center in Old Bridge, NJ, was honored by the Township of Old Bridge and the state of New Jersey for his long‑term commitment to chiropractic's excellence and two‑time designation as a member of the United States Olympics team medical staff.

During ceremonies held at the George Bush Building in Old Bridge, Dr. Shapiro received a joint resolution from the New Jersey state general assembly and senate as well as a proclamation from Old Bridge Township for exemplary health service. Presenters representing the state and township included Assemblyman Sam Thompson and Old Bridge Mayor James T. Phillips.

"This is a well‑deserving award," said Mayor Phillips. "As a long‑time member of Old Bridge's medical community, Dr. Shapiro has dedicated the past 20 years to the betterment of sports chiropractic at both the local and national levels. His recent selection to the 2006 USOC medical staff and past Olympic efforts have solidified his status as one of nation's leading sports chiropractic doctors."

Added Assembly Thompson, "We are proud to honor and recognize Dr. Shapiro's chiropractic achievements. For more than two decades, he has selflessly served the local Old Bridge area, the national sports community and our country as a two‑time member of the U.S. Olympics medical staff."

As only the ninth chiropractor ever selected by the USOC to officially represent the United States at an Olympic event, Shapiro spent the entire month of February in Torino, Italy meeting the chiropractic needs of nearly 200 American athletes competing in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Previously, he had been responsible for providing chiropractic care to 550 American athletes participating in the 2004 Olympics held in Athens.

In addition, for the past 20 years, Shapiro has served as an attending chiropractor at numerous international, national and regional sporting events including the Gatorade Ironman Triathlon World Championship, World Championship of Free‑Style Wrestling, World Sport Aerobic Championship, U.S. Figure Skating Championship, National Collegiate Tae Kwan Do Championship and the Garden State Games.

"I am extremely grateful for these honors," explains Dr. Shapiro. "It's been an exceptional year and I couldn't be more thankful to the local community, the state and the USOC for all the recognition bestowed upon me and my profession throughout the past few years."

A Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP), Shapiro received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College and a bachelor's of science degree in biology and psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.

In 2002, Dr. Shapiro was named Sports Chiropractor of the Year by the New Jersey Chiropractic Society Sports Council and awarded a Proclamation for chiropractic sports excellence by the New Jersey governor's office. He has also received citations from the City Council of New York and New York State Assembly and been honored with the New Jersey Chiropractic Society Distinguished Service Award and Pro Sport Outstanding Service Award.