MCMSPhysicianSpring2017 - 15

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Meet Your County Medical Society Leaders
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Why I chose a career in medicine:
Medicine was a "natural" direction for me. It
seemed like I was "wired" to be a physician.
Describe your job:
I am a board-certified pediatrician. My
specialty covers the care of infants, children,
and adolescents. Pediatricians are advocates for
children in every facet of their lives; in disease
or in health. Advocacy also involves children's
rights in government nationally, at the state
level, and in the community.
Dr. Shapiro is board certified in
Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the
American Academy of Pediatrics
(FAAP) and the American College
of Osteopathic Pediatricians
(FACOP). In April 2003, Dr. Shapiro
was elected to the College of
Physicians of Philadelphia,
the oldest (established and in
continuous operation since 1784)
and one of the most prestigious
medical societies in America, as a
Fellow. He is a current member of
the Pennsylvania Chapter of AAP,
the Pennsylvania Medical Society
and the Montgomery County Medical
Society.
Name: Steven Shapiro, DO, FAAP, FACOP
Specialty: Pediatrics
Currently Practices: Pediatrics Medical
Associates, East Norriton, PA
Medical School: Kansas City University of
Medicine and Bioscience
Residency: Naval Regional Medical Center
and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Fellowship: Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia
Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA
Residence: Dresher, PA

Most rewarding elements of my career:
Pediatrics is often described as a specialty
where there are "hours of boredom and
moments of terror." Nothing is more difficult
than dealing with a sick child along with the
family. The rewards come as you have the
unique opportunity to watch children grow
through their ages, develop their own skills,
and see their own hopes and aspirations
materialize. It is not always an easy transition,
but whenever possible, helping young adults
find themselves in challenging times is quite
remarkable. I also enjoy the opportunity to
empower parents with good information and
sound advice that effectively becomes the basis
for their own parenting skills.
Most interesting day in medicine:
There is considerable repetition in any
discipline. Finding the "nugget" of a
problem, whether old or new, makes for a
most interesting day. I find the challenges
for advocacy on behalf of the child another
opportunity for a most interesting day.
How did I end up practicing in Montgomery
County:
My wife and I chose Montgomery County.
We both grew up in West Oak Lane, and it
was where we felt most comfortable.
What interests me outside of medicine:
I am an avid golfer; a dedicated grandfather
to our 10 grandchildren; and an advocate for
nature and the health of our environment.

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If I could be anything other than a
physician:
I am a "people" person. With that in mind, I
would have likely followed a path that would
have enabled me to help others.
My family:
My wife, Judi, and I met in high school
and will celebrate our 47th wedding
anniversary in 2017. We have three married
children; three more by marriage; and 10
grandchildren. Our son, Josh, is the current
Attorney General of Pennsylvania; Rebecca
resides in California with her husband and
three children; and Adam is Head of School
at Golda Och Academy, West Orange, N.J.
Most interesting moment in medicine:
This happens often...as I watch children
reach milestones and maximize their
potentials.
Why I stay involved in organized medicine:
It was later in my career before I began to
realize that performing well as a physician
was "not enough." My voice in representing
values learned in years of practice would
never be noticed. I reached out to two
physicians whom I admire for their
commitment to healthcare advocacy and
they directed me quite well into organized
medicine. I haven't regretted a moment of the
challenges and responsibility it has brought
to me. What I found fascinating is how long
it took me to find myself despite the fact that
advocacy always found a loud voice in our
home!
Advice to young physicians:
Join a community; work hard at the practice
of medicine; never forget the responsibility
that you earned and the voice that you can
give to others in matters that affect their lives
in many ways.
https://www.montmedsoc.com/Pages/Home.aspx
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