Dr. Adil Akhtar is an Oncologist and Palliative Care Expert.  He is Associate Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine. Director, Inpatient Clinical Operations, Karmanos-McLaren Oakland Cancer Center in Michigan. Chief, Division of Palliative & End of Life Care, Michigan Health Professionals.  Dr. Akhtar’s medical specializations are oncology, palliative care and end of life/hospice care.

Dr. Akhtar received his M.B., B.S. at Dow Medical College, University of Karachi, Pakistan.  His training includes a Research Fellowship in Experimental Hematopoiesis, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore; a Clinical Fellowship in the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Wayne State University in Detroit; and his Residency was at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology in Detroit.

Growing up in Pakistan, Dr. Akhtar was very sick as a child, and had to undergo a lifesaving surgery. He was inspired to be a doctor because he saw the passionate and emphatic way the surgeons and nurses cared for him as a patient. Oncology is one field where you don’t choose the specialty; the specialty chooses you. Dr. Akhtar was drawn to cancer care because of the lifelong bond you make with the patients and their families. An oncologist help his patients at a time when they are faced with a potentially fatal disease. It takes a unique personality to be a cancer doctor, with patience and perseverance.  Dr. Akhtar has patience and persistence in the care of his patients, from the first diagnosis, throughout the care process – and sometimes through the hard decisions at end of life.

Dr. Akhtar also specializes in palliative care, the holistic multidisciplinary medical care for people with serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the physical symptoms and emotional stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. From pain management, emotional support to proper diet and nutrition. Palliative care can be implemented in conjunction with the cancer treatment such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Dr. Akhtar’s program is a pioneer in home based palliative care.

Dr. Akhtar believes that everyone has a right to decide what kind of medical care they want. He is very passionate about the healthcare living will and advance care planning. He has founded Advance Care Now to help people understand and make decisions about advance care planning.

His community service includes Board of Directors, DREAM of Detroit.  In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors, Indus Community Action Network (ICAN), Treasurer, Dow Graduate Association of North America, President, Michigan Chapter, Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), President, Pakistan Association of America and Chair, Board of Directors, Indus Community Network (ICAN).

Dr. Akhtar was recently named a 2018 Top Doctor by Hour Detroit Magazine. This special recognition will appear in the October 2018 issue of Hour Detroit.