Jeffrey Scott Akman

Jeffrey S. Akman, MD currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. Recognized as a pioneer in HIV/AIDS psychiatry and for his expertise in LGBTQ mental health, he was appointed as the first openly gay dean and the first openly gay vice president in the university’s history. Under his leadership as the vice president for health affairs and the dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) from 2011 to 2020, GW SMHS saw significant expansion of its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, biomedical and health sciences research, the creation of new clinical services including the GW Cancer Center along with significant growth in innovative educational programs and faculty development and wellness programs. Dr. Akman previously served as the Leon M. Yochelson Professor and Chair of the GW Department of Psychiatry prior to assuming the deanship. His extensive service in the community and in professional organizations has included serving on President Barack Obama's Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, as President of the National Lesbian and Health Association, on the Mayor of the District of Columbia's Commission on HIV/AIDS and as President of the Washington Psychiatric Society. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of the prestigious American College of Psychiatrists. Repeatedly recognized as a leading psychiatrist regionally and nationally, he has been honored on multiple occasions for his efforts in clinical care, medical education, community service and for his service to George Washington University.

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An Interview with Jeffrey S. Akman, MD, GW SMHS's First Openly Gay Vice President and Dean Moderated by: Lorenzo Norris, MD »