The National Association of Veterans Affairs Physicians and Dentists is pleased to announce that it has named Dr. Joseph Abate as its new President, effective January 1, 2022. Abate will succeed Dr. Samuel Spagnolo, who will be retiring at the end of the year after over 45 years of service to the organization.

"Dr. Abate will be a strong advocate for NAVAPD and Veterans Health Care." said Dr. Spagnolo.

Having served on the board for over several years, Dr. Abate brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role. He is a Supervisory Dentist at the Miami VA Healthcare System’s Broward Outpatient Clinic, where he provides all phases of general dentistry to the local veteran community. Dr. Abate served as Speaker Elect of the Medical Staff at Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and was a voting member of the Executive Board for Clinical Affairs, Credentialing and Peer Review Committees.

This announcement comes in NAVAPD’s 47th year of advocating for patients rights and the rights of the doctors and dentists who serve them. NAVAPD plans to expand and develop its outreach, advocacy, and membership base in the coming years. With Dr. Abate at the helm, NAVAPD is confident it will continue to serve the VA community.

To learn more about NAVAPD membership benefits or to join today, click here.