Rizwan S. Akhtar, MD, PhD | Northwestern Medicine

Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

Education

Medical Education:: MD, PhD, University of Alabama School of Medicine - 2007
Internship:: University of Alabama Medical Center - 2008
Residency:: University of Pennsylvania Health System - 2011
Fellowships:: University of Pennsylvania Health System - 2013

Board Certifications

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology/Neurology - Neurology (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Associate Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:: Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:: Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

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Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

553 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

69 Reviews

Reviews from Patients

69 Reviews

February 27, 2026

5.0

Kind, careful, takes time to listen and explain

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February 24, 2026

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is highly knowledgeable and cares for patients wellbeing

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February 17, 2026

5.0

he's the greatest.

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February 13, 2026

5.0

Dr Akhar is such a wonderful dr. And person. I feel fortunate to be under his care. He's very knowledgeable and kind.

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February 13, 2026

5.0

This doctor was understanding, very thorough, took his time to understand the issue involved. Thru communication, he came up with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. And after all this, before exiting, he discussed follow up and follow thru. Excellent job. Thank you.

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January 23, 2026

5.0

Very responsive through My Chart. Thoughtful and kind.

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January 21, 2026

5.0

Caring, thoughtful, and thorough. I feel I'm seen as an individual with specific needs, not as another generic patient.

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January 19, 2026

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is extremely compassionate and takes the time needed to listen to all your questions and concerns.

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January 17, 2026

5.0

He was extremely thoughtful and thorough in evaluating my condition. He took more time to speak to me than anyone else had. I would highly recommend him to anyone asking for a recommendation.

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January 14, 2026

5.0

Takes time to listen to me and helps solve my issues.

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January 13, 2026

5.0

Very kind.

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January 09, 2026

5.0

Dr Akhtar is professional knowledgeable patient kind and understanding

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January 08, 2026

5.0

I loved it because they are very kind, thank you

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December 23, 2025

5.0

He was very thorough and informative

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December 23, 2025

5.0

Very helpful understanding my issues and deciding a path to move forward on.

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December 19, 2025

5.0

Rizwan Akhtar, is amazing. I could not ask for a more thoughtful, caring, inelegant, Dr. He spend time and listens and makes thoughtful recommendation. I really appreciate him. Thank you!!

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December 18, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is amazing!! He cares truly about his patients.

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December 16, 2025

5.0

I liked him a lot, but I still have questions

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December 16, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar was outstanding. Knowledgeable, kind, listened to me and answered all my questions.

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December 10, 2025

4.0

smart and excellent commnicator

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November 26, 2025

5.0

knowledgeable physician great bedside manner prompt

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November 25, 2025

5.0

Answers all my questions

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November 25, 2025

5.0

He is a very kind person. Very thorough as a doctor and takes his time to answer any questions you may have.

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November 20, 2025

5.0

We seriously don't know how he could be anymore kind, through, knowledgeable or patient! He came highly recommended for not only his knowledge but awesome bedside manner!! Which in a very limited busy medical field these days is soo comforting!!! Puts my husbands and me as his wife at ease and comfortable to discuss all of our concerns with his ever changing Parkinson's disease

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November 18, 2025

5.0

Likely the best doctor that I have ever had!

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November 17, 2025

5.0

great doctor. listened to me and I feel better under his care. So glad I found him

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November 08, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is knowledgeable, a good listener and comforting with his care.

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November 07, 2025

5.0

Very thorough exams

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November 06, 2025

5.0

I recommend him

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October 28, 2025

5.0

Explains carefully. Thorough. Answers any questions I have.

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October 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar was extremely easy to talk. His answers to technical questions were presented in away I could understand.

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October 18, 2025

5.0

Very knowledgeable and gave us answers we could not get at home.

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October 13, 2025

5.0

Dr Akhtar is very compassionate, He doesn't rush you and genuinely cares for his patients.

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October 04, 2025

5.0

Very thorough with questions and explanations. Always explains options and possibilities.

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October 03, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar takes time to listen, is caring, knowledgeable and supportive. He is a great communicator and problem solver. We feel very fortunate that he is our doctor!

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October 02, 2025

5.0

Not rushed , good listener, collaborative and open minded to working on solutions

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October 02, 2025

5.0

He cares and you know it in everything he does to make you feel better .

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September 19, 2025

5.0

Very thorough, caring, good explanation

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September 18, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is a phenomenal doctor!! He's always professional and shows great care and compassion for my well being.

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September 16, 2025

5.0

Spent about an hour with us and I felt he really listened and spelled out some preventative care options!

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September 15, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar was a system-generated neurologist for me. Sometimes that approach works better than others. In the case of Dr. Akhtar, I feel I hit the jackpot. He is truly attentive, takes his time in explaining procedures and results, is expert in his field AND seems really interested in me and my details. I really appreciate him.

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September 12, 2025

5.0

Dr Akhtar is very professional in his work. He is a wonderful Dr.

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September 11, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is one of the finest doctors I have ever had. He exudes care and compassion second to none, and his communication style is warm and genuine. He takes the time to explain the intricate ways my essential tremor affects me_not only directly, but also in its connections and impact on other areas of my health and daily life. I left my visit feeling truly heard, respected, and cared for. I feel fortunate to be under his care.

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September 11, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar really listens to me and looks at me (not his computer) during our appointments, which is refreshing these days. He is thorough and is willing to spend as much time as necessary with me. I wholeheartedly trust his expertise and am glad that he is my neurologist.

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September 05, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is a great clinician and brings his expertise as a scientist to his work as my physician. He's insightful, thorough and understanding. Come to every meeting prepared.

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September 04, 2025

5.0

I felt cared for and confident That I was in the care of an experienced clinician.

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August 26, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is an excellent listener. In addition, he gives direct and easily understood answers. He is both kind and honest in his communication.

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August 22, 2025

5.0

Very kind, thoughtful and professional

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August 22, 2025

5.0

He listens, looks up from the computer at the person and is patient about explaining what he is looking for and what may be of concern. It is very reassuring to be with him.

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August 09, 2025

5.0

He did good online screening, and proposed good treatment plan.

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August 08, 2025

5.0

Never rushed and takes his time with Q & A.

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August 07, 2025

5.0

Could ask for a nicer Dr..!!

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August 01, 2025

5.0

Exceptional neurologist. Insiders the whole patient and is very respectful

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July 29, 2025

5.0

Compassionate, caring, thorough, kind, and intelligent. Dr. Akhtar is the reason I travel a long distance for my Parkinson's care.

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July 25, 2025

5.0

Takes his time. Listens leads with empathy. He is amazing.

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July 16, 2025

5.0

He is very thorough and always has time for me.

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July 15, 2025

5.0

He is highly knowledgable, easy to communicate with, and patient through the appointment.

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July 04, 2025

5.0

Very professional with his diagnostic and care and explain everything with a great details. I am super happy to have him as my Dr.

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July 03, 2025

5.0

Listens and gives good advice. Great bedside manner

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June 20, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is a great physician!! He's caring, knowledgeable and makes sure that his patients have a clear understanding about their care.

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June 10, 2025

5.0

Friendly, took his time, and good at answering all questions

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June 03, 2025

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is down-to-earth, and took time to explain anything I asked. He was very gentle and thorough in collecting skin samples, and I always felt well-cared-for.

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May 28, 2025

5.0

Explains everything he is doing. Listens carefully

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May 28, 2025

5.0

He listens and explains things well

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May 23, 2025

5.0

He truly took time to understand the situation.

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May 12, 2025

5.0

Thorough

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May 12, 2025

5.0

He is an excellent, knowledgeable and helpful doctor.

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May 10, 2025

5.0

Good interpersonal skills and inspired confidence with his approach and recommendations.

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May 06, 2025

5.0

technical ability and bed-side interactions

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Disclosures

Rizwan S. Akhtar, MD, PhD reported no external professional relationships for calendar year 2024.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

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