Our next board member spotlight in our series is with Dr. Fevzi Akinci, PhD, MHA. Dr. Akinci joins ASAHP as a new Board of Directors Member for 2021-2023. His term began at the conclusion of the 2021 ASAHP Annual Conference in October, but he has been involved with ASAHP for several years. He currently serves as the Board Liaison for ASAHP’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and a member for the Research, Discovery, and Innovation Committee. Previously as a member of ASAHP’s DEI committee, he worked with the committee to draft ASAHP’s current statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
He is currently dean of the John G. Rangos School of Health Sciences (RSHS) at Duquesne University. Since becoming RSHS dean in 2017, Akinci has overseen the growth of new academic programs and research activities, while also developing partnerships with health care organizations and academic institutions at the national and international levels.
We sat down with Dr. Akinci and learned interesting tidbits about him:
Place of birth: Bozuyuk/Turkey
How long have you been in your position? Since July 1, 2017
What’s the value of education in the health professions? Education ensures a future generation of highly-skilled, compassionate, and ethically and socially responsible health care professionals.
What is the value of ASAHP? ASAHP facilitates networking and building professional relationships and offers invaluable leadership development opportunities.
Why did the health professions interest you and how did you get started? Growing up, I always had a passion for meeting and advocating for the healthcare needs of underserved populations. My first job was with the Turkish Ministry of Health as a public health officer right after high school.
What are you looking forward to during your ASAHP board tenure? I look forward to further promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and interdisciplinary research collaborations among ASAHP member institutions. I am also excited about advocating for the expansion of ASAHP’s global outreach efforts.
Your philosophy on education in 7 words: “Instilling passion and commitment for lifelong learning.”
Before I retire I want to: I would like to take a sabbatical as I never had an opportunity to take sabbatical during my academic career.
In college, I was known for: My strong work ethic
My favorite trip was: Maui, Hawaii.
4 people I’d take to coffee or have a glass of wine with: My wife, my brother, my first boss, and my best friend.
The best advice I ever received was: Always cherish your close friends and family.
My hobby is: Fishing and listening to music
My passion is: Watching and playing soccer
I wish I could: Play the clarinet and violin
Only my friends know I: I really enjoy visiting hot springs
My favorite saying is: “Always put your best foot forward!”