Joel A Shapiro, MD

I would agree with Natasha. Dr Shapiro was arrogant from the beginning. He talked more about himself than anything else. I should have sought out a second opinion right away, but I was in so much pain that I trusted him. He told my husband after the surgery that it was worse than he thought. My husband said… do you think that’s why she was in so much pain. He made me feel horrible after surgery. He was judgmental about my pain medication request. Nothing relieved the pain and he did make me feel like I was a drug seeking fool. It’s been 4 years and my shoulder pain continues. I’ve had 2 more surgeries since then and am facing a third one. I have been through acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, flotation therapy… anything to help my pain. These are all non medication therapies. I have been with another surgeon who is kind, compassionate and believes me… and doesn’t prescribe narcotics Dr Shapiro.

Thanks to Dr. Shapiro, I have my life back, pain free and a repaired shoulder. I couldn’t have picked a more skilled, personable surgeon. Any torn rotator cuffs out there need to get to Dr. Shapiro’s office ASAP! Thank you Joel! Ok I call you Joel?

I am glad to have been referred to Dr. Shapiro. I had a partially torn pectoral major tendon which occured at work, the situation was very difficult for me due to other life circumstances in which I did not want to be out for the 6 month recovery time. Dr Shapiro laid it all out for me, telling the pros/​cons of wether or not to have this surgery. He left the decision up to me, but strongly encouraged me to consider having the surgery so that I could have a better quality of life, given my occupation and hobbies. He has a pleasant demeanor and I felt like he had a genuine interest in my predicament. He explained things directly and didn’t sugar coat anything about my situation. I was grateful for that because I could easily understand what to expect. The surgery went well, I did what he told me to do for recovery, and now I am healed and back to doing my work and the things I love. I had an overall positive experience with Dr Shapiro. The only con is that he works out of two offices which can be confusing at times, but not a big deal. My experience with the staff was mostly positive. I would highly recommend Dr Shapiro to anyone for a trustworthy and professional experience with a major life event.

I had an amazing experience with Dr Shapiro. He performed my rotator cuff surgery. He was amazing, he answered all my questions an more. I had a secondary injury on the opposite shoulder. He has been treating me for that also. I wouldn’t go to anyone else for my orthopedic care.

I would like to preference that Dr. Shapiro did successfully diagnose my rare condition. I have no doubt that he knows his medicine. However, that is only part of the big picture. He had a very poor bedside manner, made large judgmental (and false) assumptions about why I was asking for pain medication. I endured a pain threshold that I should never of had to based on my final diagnosis. I found a MUCH better physician who compassionately and proficiently assisted me in my recovery and pain reduction. This doctor appears to not care or really listen. I felt like I was bothering him with my questions — at least that was my observation. I felt humiliated and belittled which I have never experienced with a health professional before (I should note I AM a health professional). Very disappointing. Do not recommend.