Sinclair Health Clinic is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Mercedes Abbet as its next executive director. Dr. Abbet will be stepping into the role previously held by Katrina McClure, who is embarking on a new journey as the executive director of the Northwestern Community Services Board.
Dr. Abbet’s professional journey began in Santa Fe, Argentina, where she pursued her medical degree at the esteemed Universidad de Rosario. Recognizing the value of expanding her knowledge and expertise, she made the decision to relocate to the United States and successfully revalidated her medical license. This pivotal moment in her career opened the door for her to serve as a program manager for a non-profit organization dedicated to providing prescriptions and health education tools to the uninsured in the Northern Virginia area.
Motivated by a deep-rooted desire to address healthcare disparities, Dr. Abbet pursued a Master of Science in Health Education at Purdue University. Her educational endeavors equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of health promotion and the essential skills needed to create impactful programs for underserved communities. Her exceptional accomplishments have been widely recognized, earning her accolades from the Virginia Healthcare Foundation.
“The Board feels incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Mercedes Abbet lead Sinclair Health Clinic into the future. Her impressive credentials and wealth of experience would benefit any healthcare organization, but it is her unwavering commitment to providing healthcare to those in need that will continue to build upon the legacy established by Dr. Terry Sinclair, as well as the clinic’s dedicated volunteers and staff.”
-Robbie Marchant, the chair of Sinclair Health Clinic’s board of directors, on Dr. Abbet’s appointment,
Dr. Abbet shared her thoughts about her new position, stating, “I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to lead the dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and supporters at Sinclair Health Clinic. Together, we will work tirelessly each day to expand upon the legacy of care that was initiated by our namesake, Dr. Terry Sinclair, and the remarkable individuals who worked alongside him over 36 years ago to bring this clinic’s vital mission to life.”
Outside of her professional pursuits, Mercedes finds joy in gardening and running long distances. She cherishes her role as a mother to two beautiful girls, Jazmin and Tiana, and is married to her amazing husband, Nick, a Canadian ultrarunner. These personal experiences bring her a profound sense of fulfillment and perspective.
Dr. Abbet’s tenure as the executive director of Sinclair Health Clinic began on June 26th, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our organization’s history. With her passion for healthcare equity and her remarkable qualifications, Dr. Abbet is poised to guide Sinclair Health Clinic toward an even brighter future, carrying forward the legacy of compassionate care that has been cultivated throughout our more than three decades of community service.
