Press Releases

Three Friendly Senior Living Physicians Named to Inaugural Class of Fellows of PALTmed

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Friendly Senior Living proudly announces that Dr. Scott Schabel, Dr. Dallas Nelson, and Dr. Sarah Howd have been named to the inaugural class of Fellows of the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed), one of the profession’s highest distinctions in post-acute and long-term care medicine.

The Fellow of PALTmed (FPALTC) designation is a prestigious peer-reviewed credential awarded to just 60 physicians nationwide in its first year. This distinction recognizes exceptional professional commitment, leadership, and sustained contributions to the field of post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) medicine.

Friendly Senior Living Physicians Recognized Among New York’s Best in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care

Of the 12 physicians in New York State to receive this inaugural recognition, three are part of the Friendly Senior Living team — underscoring the organization’s leadership in senior care excellence across independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

Dr. Scott Schabel is a physician on the Friendly Senior Living team.
Scott L. Schabel, MD, CMD, FPALTC, FACP

“This is a profound honor,” said Dr. Schabel. “This recognition reflects not only individual achievement, but the collective dedication of the entire care team committed every day to delivering exceptional care for older adults.”

Dr. Schabel serves as medical director at the Friendly Home, while Dr. Dallas Nelson is an integral member of the physician leadership team. Dr. Howd serves as medical director for Glenmere Assisted Living and Memory Care. Together, their expertise, compassion, and commitment help shape the quality of care Members, Residents, patients, and families experience across the Friendly Senior Living communities.

What the Fellow of PALTmed (FPALTC) Designation Means

The FPALTC credential is awarded to physicians who demonstrate:

  • Deep professional commitment to post-acute and long-term care medicine
  • Active engagement and leadership within PALTmed
  • Sustained contributions to advancing healthcare for aging adults
  • Peer-recognized excellence in clinical practice and service

This national recognition highlights Friendly Senior Living’s broader commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services for older adults through a highly skilled, compassionate, and mission-driven medical team.

Leadership Statement on Friendly Senior Living’s National Recognition

“We are grateful and proud of Dr. Schabel, Dr. Nelson, and Dr. Howd,” said Glen Cooper, Friendly Senior Living President and CEO. “Their clinical expertise, dedication, and compassion make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve and reinforce our mission of excellence in aging services.”

Why This Recognition Matters for Senior Living Excellence

As demand for high-quality senior healthcare continues to grow, this recognition reinforces Friendly Senior Living’s position as a trusted leader in senior healthcare and highlights the organization’s continued investment in clinical excellence across skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care.

By earning national recognition from PALTmed, Friendly Senior Living further demonstrates its commitment to advancing care standards, supporting aging adults, and delivering exceptional outcomes for older adults and their families.

About Friendly Senior Living

Friendly Senior Living provides a full continuum of senior living and healthcare services, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. The Friendly Senior Living communities include: Cloverwood, Glenmere, Linden Knoll, Lily Brook, the Friendly Home, and Lovejoy Transitional Care at the Friendly Home. Guided by compassion, integrity, and excellence, Friendly Senior Living is committed to supporting older adults and families through every stage of aging.


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