For more than four decades, one physician has helped shape the lives of countless children and families in our community.
On July 9, 1980, Dr. Steven Shapiro, Jr. opened the doors of Pediatric Medical Associates with a simple but powerful mission: provide exceptional pediatric care, support families through every stage of childhood, and build lasting relationships rooted in trust and compassion.
Today, as Pediatric Medical Associates begins an exciting new chapter by joining Kids Plus Pediatrics, we want to pause and honor the remarkable legacy of the physician who started it all.
More Than a Pediatrician: 46 Years of Caring for Families
For nearly 46 years, Dr. Shapiro has been far more than a healthcare provider. He has been a trusted advisor, a calming presence during uncertain moments, a partner in celebrating milestones, and a source of comfort during life's most difficult challenges.
Generations of families have entrusted him with their children's health, and many of those children have grown up to bring their own children back through our doors.
That kind of impact cannot be measured in years alone. It is measured in relationships, memories, and the countless lives touched by his dedication to caring for children.
A Legacy That Lives On at Kids Plus Pediatrics
One of the most important commitments made during this transition is that the culture and patient-centered philosophy Dr. Shapiro created will continue to guide our practice. The rebranding to Kids Plus Pediatrics represents growth and the future of pediatric care, but it also reflects our promise to preserve the principles that have earned families' trust for nearly half a century.
Dr. Shapiro's influence will continue to be seen every day in the way we care for patients, support parents, and work together as a team.
And while he began gradually reducing his office hours as of January 1, 2026, families will still have opportunities to see him. He plans to maintain regular office visits with established patients, continue telehealth appointments, and support his colleagues as needed.
His transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, but not an immediate goodbye.
A Note From Dr. Shapiro
The following message was shared by Dr. Shapiro with the families he has had the privilege to serve throughout his career:
To My PMA Family,
WOW! It has taken me almost 46 years to finally write this letter. I have enjoyed helping to raise your children and solve their medical problems. I've felt privileged to offer advice and good counsel to parents, and join many of you for both happy, difficult, and sad situations. It has been the pleasure of my life to be called your "children's doctor".
Beginning January 1, 2026, I will, not unexpectedly, begin to reduce my office hours at PMA. I will provide a schedule in advance to the administrative staff and plan to be in the office regularly for visits with established patients. I will continue with scheduled Telehealth appointments and plan to support my esteemed colleagues, Dr. Kyle, Dr. P, and Nurse Practitioner Zach Hoover during their vacations.
Over time, I will retire from this beloved practice that I opened on July 9, 1980, with my friend Bonnie DiNenna. These accumulated memories will be with me forever. I am grateful to you for all of them.
And as one of my favorite children's authors, Dr. Seuss wrote:
"I will not cry because it is over; rather, I will smile because it all happened."
With Love,
Dr. Steve
Looking Forward While Honoring the Legacy
As Pediatric Medical Associates joins the Kids Plus Pediatrics family, we do so with deep respect and gratitude for the foundation Dr. Shapiro built over the past 46 years. His vision of compassionate, relationship-centered pediatric care helped shape not only a practice, but a trusted medical home for generations of families.
His legacy is woven into the culture of this practice and will remain an important part of the Kids Plus Pediatrics story for years to come. We are honored to carry forward the work he began in 1980 and to continue serving families with the same dedication and heart that have defined PMA for nearly five decades.
From all of us at Kids Plus Pediatrics, thank you, Dr. Shapiro, for your extraordinary leadership, service, and trust. The legacy you created will continue to inspire and shape the care we provide for generations to come.
