The dean of GW’s medical school has been named as a member of a presidential advisory council addressing HIV and AIDS.

Jeffrey Akman, who is also an alumnus of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, will work with a group of science, public health, medical and philanthropic leaders who advise the president and the secretary of health and human services on HIV-related issues, especially on implementing the federal government’s HIV and AIDS strategy. He was sworn in as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS on May 21.

Akman said in a release that his background as a psychiatric physician
will help him implement strong policies about HIV and AIDS. He has worked with patients with both diseases, and previously led the American Psychological Association’s Commission on AIDS and served as a member of the D.C. mayor’s commission for HIV/AIDS.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on this council as we help guide our nation’s top leaders in making informed decisions related to HIV/AIDS,” Akman said.

Last week the National Institutes of Health granted about $7.5 million over the course of five years to the District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research. Researchers, including professors from three GW schools, will focus on finding ways to prevent the spread of the disease as well as a cure.