Dr. Eric Kaplan is a New York Chiropractic College alumnus; a No. 1 best-selling author whose books include Awaken the Wellness Within and The 5 Minute Motivator; a chiropractor for professional sports teams and elite athletes; and even served as an advisor under the Clinton Administration to the President's Council on Sports & Physical Fitness. But it is his role for the past 20 years as now-President Donald Trump's personal DC friend that captures our current attention. Learn more about Dr. Kaplan and his experiences with the new president and the Trump family in this exclusive interview.
1. When and how did you first affiliate with the Trump family as their DC?
I have had the privilege of knowing President Trump personally and professionally for more than 20 years. I was initially blessed to work with the Trump family when I was contacted by his second wife, Marla. A former Miss Georgia, Marla was always health oriented. It was during that time I would work with her and the children at Mar-a-Lago.
Mrs. Trump was so happy with our professional arrangement, she invited me to be the doctor for the Miss Universe Pageant. It was fun introducing chiropractic to women from all over the world.
President Trump was always very curious about chiropractic and our natural approach to health. My wife and children were even invited by Mr. Trump to have breakfast at the estate. They were many times that we discussed natural healing, chiropractic and the philosophy of our profession. Many of the staff, including his in-laws, are also treated by me at the estate.
I found him to be openly interested in chiropractic, so I took a hands-on position on his entire family's health. I've always had great respect, and it's for that reason I believe he endorsed my first book. My first book is based on the essence of natural healing and chiropractic; having him sit on the cover is a tremendous endorsement to our profession.
President Trump is health conscious and stays active in every facet of his family's lives. At junctures, I have been amazed at how broad based his knowledge is when it comes to health and wellness. Working with the Trump family and his organization has been nothing but a privilege.
Can you share any details regarding the scope of your involvement with the Trumps?
As a result of HIPAA, I cannot go into the full details of my relationship with the family. However, I can say he has always kept himself active and in good shape. He is health oriented and educated on the benefits of natural healing.
President Trump is a highly energetic man. His stamina and work ethic are beyond reproach. He is an avid golfer and a lot of laughs on the golf course. He has never smoked and doesn't drink. He recently played with Tiger Woods – and held his own. He can and does compete with the best of he best. You would never guess he is 70 years old.
Do you believe your role within the Trump family can help advance the chiropractic profession, particularly now he is president?
I never would have thought 20 years ago, when I was first retained by the Trump family, that he would end up being the president of the United States of America. My relationship was never based on politics, but politically speaking, I think he will be great for our country and profession.
I believe we all have a responsibility to build relationships with our patients and their inner circles based upon one simple premise: to be the best. Every patient, regardless of their background, means and individual status, wants to know the doctor they choose is truly the best in their field of specialty. President Trump is no different.
The future is so bright for our great profession and I believe the majority of chiropractors will be pleasantly surprised when they see the positive changes that take place in Washington from, as we always say, "above-down and inside-out."
As President Trump said in his inauguration speech, "Change starts now." As chiropractors, we each need to take responsibility to make our world healthier, one patient at a time.
Do you believe President Trump will help ensure future legislation fulfills the needs of consumers to receive chiropractic care on par with other forms of health care?
President Trump has great respect for chiropractic and chiropractors. He understands the power of natural healing. Recently, he appointed Robert Kennedy Jr. (a Democrat) to head a commission on investigation of the safety of vaccinations. To take a stand on such an important issue to America, an issue chiropractors have stood behind for years, speaks volumes to his commitment on heath and natural healing. This was a monumental move on his behalf – and one the AMA will surely attack.
An estimated one in eight U.S. adults visits a DC annually, yet we see countless examples of celebrities, professional athletes, teams, etc., employing DCs and/or espousing the benefits of chiropractic care. Can the profession bridge this divide?
Although I have had the opportunity to work with many teams, it begins on the community level. To be a doctor to the stars begins with being a doctor in the community. In talking with Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, he estimated that only 10 percent of the chiropractic population does in-house lectures. A chiropractor's role must be to continually educate.
I was once retained to speak at a private luncheon at Mar-a-Lago for his spa and its members. This was a big deal and showed the family's commitment to health and their respect for chiropractic.
Athletes and entertainers care about maximum performance, as most professional teams are now tested for drugs. Chiropractic is a natural alternative. Today's chiropractor has access to technologies like laser and spinal decompression which are choices of professional athletes. Maximum recovery, minimal time.
However, let me be specific, I work with the local teams, high schools and colleges. Malcolm Gladwell, in his best-selling book, Outliers, says you have to put in the time – 10,000 hours. Chiropractors must realize graduating is the first step toward the adventure, and you never know what road on the journey to success you may encounter. Practice, prepare and persevere so when your opportunities come, you will be ready.
We know it's early, but where do you see the future heading with the Trump administration and chiropractic care?
On Jan. 1, I was invited to a private lunch with President Trump. The room was surrounded by Secret Service. The president had just finished a round of golf, and there was no media present; this was private.
President Trump spoke on Russia and Israel, as well as the border wall. I asked him about the future of health care. He said "Obamacare" is complex, ineffective and costly. He stated he will repeal it and replace with a more effective way.
My goal is to make sure the next way does not exclude chiropractic. The model America needs is a preventive model, not a symptom-first model.
The next day, I put my latest book, which expounds on chiropractic, in his locker. I look forward to our next meeting.
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