Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Here you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

We hope you find the information you’re looking for here, but if not, please don’t hesitate to contact us with further questions.

 
 
 

What is National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD)?

NAVAPD, the National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD), is the official national organization of VA physicians and dentists.

 
 
 

Is National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) a union?

No, National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) is not a union and has no bargaining power.  It is a professional organization, similar to other physicians’ and dentists’ professional organizations to which many VA clinicians belong.

 
 
 

What is the mission of National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD)?

National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians, Podiatrists and Dentists (NAVAPD)’s mission is to improve the quality of healthcare provided by the Veterans Healthcare Administration by ensuring the doctor-patient relationship is maintained and strengthened.

 
 
 

How can National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) help in disciplinary matters?

What NAVAPD CAN’T do:

NAVAPD cannot, does not, and will not intervene or interfere in local disciplinary actions.

NAVAPD has no action or influence over Human Resource or local disciplinary decisions.

What NAVAPD CAN do:

On occasion, NAVAPD may be able to suggest contacts to whom a provider under investigation or discipline may reach out.  Providers who are under investigation or under disciplinary action may consider reaching out to their local AFGE or NFFE union representative, an employment attorney, or local HRO/ELR representative.

 
 
 

How does National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) accomplish its mission?

National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD)’s activities include organizing scientific meetings, educating Members of Congress so they can best exercise their oversight and budgeting responsibilities, growing working relationships with veterans’ service organizations, maintaining an active dialogue with official representatives of VA medical programs, and presenting and/or publishing position statements on critical issues.

 
 
 

Why does National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) develop liaisons with Members of Congress?

Congress cannot discharge its responsibilities to the Nation’s veterans and to the VA Health Care Delivery System unless it has accurate, timely, and unbiased information about the inner workings of the VA and the clinical accomplishments of VA healthcare professionals.  National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) brings its members into direct contact with Members of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs, thereby providing a valuable service to veterans, House and Senate Members, and members of National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD).

 
 
 

Why does National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) develop liaisons with veterans’ service organizations?

Veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) are a powerful force of advocacy in the halls of Congress.  If VSOs understand VA physicians’ and dentists’ needs in order to deliver the best possible healthcare to veterans, then VSOs will advocate for congressional support in a much more informed and helpful way.

 
 
 

What is National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD)’s role and relationship with VA Central Office?

National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) works closely with official representatives of VA medical programs to ensure that the best possible health care will be provided to veterans. National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) works with official representatives of the VA medical program to support: 

  • paying competitive salaries, thereby ensuring that qualified physicians and dentists are recruited and retained in the VA;

  • the ability of healthcare professionals to participate in activities of professional organizations and continuing medical education;

  • professional growth of physicians and dentists through funding of educational activities; and

  • a workforce size that is adequate to treat growing numbers of OEF/OIF/OND veterans.

 
 
 

How long has National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) been in existence?

National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) was formed by a small group of physicians in 1975 at the Washington, DC VA Hospital as an informal organization with no bylaws or official structure.  Early meetings with congressional leaders and VSOs indicated the need for a formal structure, which was established.  In 1989, dentists were welcomed into the organization, and NAVAPD became the official name.

 
 
 

Who are National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD)’s leaders?

Joseph Abate, D.M.D. is a Supervisory Dentist at the Miami VA Healthcare System’s Broward Outpatient Clinic and President of NAVAPD.  Six MDs, one DO, and one DMD comprise the Executive Board. 

 
 
 

Why should I belong to National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD)?

For at least two reasons: 

  1. To have a direct voice in your future at the VA with VA Central Office and Congress through active participation in NAVAPD meetings and events. 

  2. To belong to a much larger group of VA professionals and learn that many issues which one believes to be unique to his or her service or facility in fact are manifest in many areas of the Veterans Health Administration.

 
 
 

How do I join NAVAPD?

Join online. Full-time, part-time, and fee-basis physicians and dentists, retirees, and residents and fellows are all eligible.  Dues are $160 per year for full-time and fee-basis, and less for retirees, part-time, and members-in-training.

 
 
 

How do I update my membership information?

Please email us to have your membership information updated.

 
 
 

Where do I learn more about National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD)?

Right here! National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD)’s website has detailed information on the organization's mission, leadership, events, membership, resources, and how to get involved, including the NAVAPD newsletter and patient-care surveys of its members done in 2008 and 2011.  National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) also posts news updates, media articles, and information about the VA and other expert viewpoints on VA reform.