December 21, 2020 (Falls Church, VA)

On Saturday, December 19, the Fellows of the International Chiropractors Association (FICA) met virtually to host their annual meeting.

Dr. Hugo V. Gibson, the Chairman of the FICA and 2019 Chiropractor of the Year, conducted the meeting. Dr. Gibson stated, “It was my profound pleasure to be able to make a motion for Dr. Thomas Klapp to be elected by unanimous affirmation as the ICA Chiropractor of the Year posthumously. This is only the second time in the history of Fellows of the ICA that such a measure has been adopted. Anyone who knew Tom knows why he was selected.”

Dr. Thomas Klapp

2020 ICA Chiropractor of the Year

About Dr. Thomas Klapp: Known as a true chiropractic warrior, Dr. Klapp worked hard on behalf of the profession for 40 years before his passing this month. After graduating Life University in 1979, Dr. Klapp established his chiropractic practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he worked tirelessly at the state and national level. Dr. Klapp did not do things in half measures When he joined the ICA, he actively engaged in helping protect and promote the chiropractic profession. He became a Lifetime Member of the ICA, and served on the ICA Board of Directors. He was selected by his peers to become a distinguished Fellow of the International Chiropractors Association (FICA). In 1997, Dr. Klapp completed the rigorous post graduate training to become a Diplomate in Applied Chiropractic Science.

Dr. Klapp served on the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (ChiroCongress) Board of Directors for ten years served and as its President from 2000 to 2002. Dr. Klapp was also President of the Michigan Chiropractic Association in 1993, 2006, and 2007. Dr. Klapp was also a Board member of the Michigan Chiropractic Foundation, served as a Trustee for Life University, and served on the Chiropractic Summit since its inception on behalf of Life University, and was a Board member of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.

About the Chiropractor of the Year: The ICA Chiropractor of the Year Award is awarded annually to a member of the International Chiropractors Association who has through his or her effort and ability, earned the admiration and respect of the profession. It is based upon that member’s cumulative or outstanding services or achievements. It is the highest honor the ICA bestows upon a distinguished member.

Dr. Stephen Welsh, ICA President stated, “Dr. Thomas Klapp, spent his entire professional career promoting and protecting chiropractic. It is a fitting tribute to his life and legacy that he be awarded the ICA’s highest honor. He will always be remembered for his profound passion, intelligence and integrity. “

Dr. Stuart Hoffman, ICA lifetime member and Fellow stated, “Tom was my best friend, we grew up in chiropractic together. Tom’s focus was on unity. I am pleased to see the Fellows of the ICA come together unanimously to honor Tom’s memory.”

Dr. John K. Maltby, former ICA President and Fellow stated, “I did not know Tom well, nor did I always agree with his opinion; however, I have the utmost of respect for his dedication to the chiropractic profession.”

The family has established the Dr. Tom Klapp Memorial Scholarship at Life University. If you would like to donate, please follow the link below.