Passing of the Gavel:
Dr. Anthony Breitbach as the 2025-2027 NAP President

The National Academies of Practice (NAP) is pleased to announce Anthony Breitbach PhD, ATC, FASAHP, FNAP as its new President. Dr. Breitbach, a distinguished educator and leader in interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice, brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to advancing healthcare through interprofessional collaboration.

A native of Dubuque, Iowa; Dr. Breitbach is a Professor at Saint Louis University (SLU) and Director of Interprofessional Education after previously serving in roles as Vice Dean, Athletic Training Program Director and Interim Chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics in SLU’s Doisy College of Health Sciences, where he has been highly engaged in IPE teaching and scholarship. Prior to his faculty role, he worked as an Athletic Trainer (AT) in clinical practice for 22 years, serving as SLU’s Head Athletic Trainer as well as coordinating AT services at multidisciplinary sports medicine clinics in Dubuque, Atlanta and Milwaukee.

His leadership extends beyond SLU; he has been actively involved with the National Academies of Practice, serving as the inaugural Chair of the Athletic Training Academy, as well as President-Elect prior to his recent transition to President at the 2025 NAP Annual Meeting and Forum. He also serves in key roles with the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP), Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), Interprofessional.Global and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Dr. Breitbach is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Interprofessional Care, Frontiers in Medicine and Frontiers in Public Health Education and Promotion.

Dr. Breitbach has also contributed significantly to the discourse on interprofessional education through various platforms. Most recently, he was featured on the Interprofessional SPACe podcast, where he shared insights into his journey and the importance of IPE in modern healthcare. In the episode titled "Dr. Anthony Breitbach: IPE Educator, Leader, and Innovator," he discusses strategies for fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals and the impact of IPE on patient outcomes.

As President, Dr. Breitbach aims to continue NAP’s commitment to interprofessional education and collaborative practice, emphasizing its critical role in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. His extensive experience and visionary leadership are expected to further NAP's mission to foster collaboration, professional development and advocate for policies that promote excellence in practice.

The National Academies of Practice congratulates Dr. Anthony Breitbach and looks forward to his leadership as NAP members collaborate toward our shared vision of transforming interprofessional healthcare.