Abiodun Akinwuntan, PhD, MPH, MBA, MIH, FASAHP
Dean and Professor
School of Health Professions
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, KS
Background and aspirations for ASAHP
BACKGROUND
I, Abiodun Akinwuntan, Ph.D., MPH, MBA, MIH, FASAHP, FACRM, FAMedS became the sixth dean of the School of Health Professions at the University of Kansas Medical Center in January 2016. I received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos in 1994, a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in neurological rehabilitation from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven) in Belgium in 2000 and 2004 respectively, a postgraduate certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from the University of East London, England in 2005, and a master’s degree in Public Health in 2012 and a master’s degree Business Administration in 2015 from Augusta University, USA. I earned a master’s degree in international health in 2023 from the Institute for International Medicine, USA.
My research focuses on the use of virtual-reality technologies to improve daily living activities in neurologically impaired persons. I have collaborated extensively on several funded grants totaling more than $15 million, authored more than 110 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts mostly in reputable journals with high impact factors, and authored 8 book chapters. I am also co-director of the Laboratory for Advanced Rehabilitation Research in Simulation at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City KS.
I am a recipient of the prestigious United States Fulbright Scholarship to Nigeria in 2013, a Fulbright Specialist Award to Iceland in 2016, and a Fulbright Specialist Award to South Africa in 2024. I am also an Academic Editor of PLOS ONE Journal, an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, and a Member of the Editorial Board for the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Journal.
ASAHP SERVICE
Not only have I been a strong, committed, and dedicated member, I have served and continue to serve the ASAHP in different capacities. I currently serve on ASAHP Board of Directors, as a Faculty in ASHAP Leadership Development Program, and the treasurer of the ASAHP Midwest Deans Group. I am a mentor in the ASAHP Mentoring Program. I previously served as a member of ASAHP Nomination and Elections Committee and the Chair of the Research, Discovery, and Innovation Committee of ASAHP. I was a member of the ASAHP Diversity Committee that developed the ASAHP's Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and a member of the 2018 ASAHP Leadership Development Program. In October 2020, I was inducted a Fellow of ASAHP in recognition of excellent service and contributions to education in the health professions.
ASPIRATIONS FOR ASAHP
My aspiration for ASAHP is that it will continue to grow and wax stronger as the major advocacy organization for the advancement of the professional and educational interests of all the health professions in the United States and beacon of hope for similar organizations around the world. As a member of the ASAHP Board of Directors, I will work with others to continue to serve, champion, and further provide advocacy for the strategic initiatives of the association towards improving multifaceted interprofessional collaborations between member institutions.
ASAHP Activities
Activity I: Currently serving as a member of ASHAP Board of Directors (first term).
Activity II: Served as Chair of ASAHP Research, Discovery, and Innovation Committee.
Activity III: Served as a member of ASAHP Nomination and Elections Committee.
Activity IV: Served as member of ASAHP Diversity Committee that developed the ASAHP's Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Activity V: ASAHP Leadership Development Program Faculty.
Relevant Experience
Experience I: Served as a member of the NIH National Advisory Board on Medical Rehabilitation Research from 2019-2023.
Experience II: Currently serving as the treasurer of ASAHP Midwest Deans Group.
Experience III: Always served and still serves as a mentor in the ASAHP and ACRM Mentoring Programs.
Experience IV: Section Editor, IE/P Editor, & Supplement Editor, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Journal since 2019.
Experience V: In October 2020, I was inducted a Fellow of ASAHP in recognition of excellent service and contributions to education in the health professions.