Rizwan S. Akhtar, MD, PhD

Rizwan S. Akhtar, MD, PhD

5.0 
383 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Movement Disorders

Is your insurance accepted? Select plan

CALL

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 (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

View Faculty Profile

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

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

Read Ratings FAQs

Overall Rating

5.0
5.0 

383 Ratings

Sort By Newest

Reviews from Patients

85 Reviews

Reviews from Patients

Sort By Newest
85 Reviews

April 26, 2024

5.0

Doctor is really listening and care for patient.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 23, 2024

5.0

Clear friendly thorough professional

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 19, 2024

5.0

If there is the score higher than 10, he deserves it His bedside manner and experience and intelligence are exceptional. Questions we ask he is able to give us competent answers or will tell us he will look into it and give us more information. He always follows up promptly and you just feel comfortable with him

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 19, 2024

5.0

Dr. Akhtar was knowledgeable, thorough, and personable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 18, 2024

5.0

He’s one decent, respectful expert provider! We are grateful!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 07, 2024

5.0

Very knowledgeable, explained what he was doing and why. Answered all our questions. Empathetic and took time to be thorough.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 06, 2024

5.0

In addition to being an excellent diagnostician and clinician, he is very caring. Totally listens to the patient. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 27, 2024

5.0

We think he's a great doctor.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 22, 2024

5.0

He’s the best from our view—compassionate, bright, reasonable, kind!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 21, 2024

5.0

Very thorough and took time to get to know my history and symptoms. Ease of explanations and discussion of options for treatment. Good “bedside manner.” I was concerned about losing my neurologist but Dr. Akhtar definitely put me at ease.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 21, 2024

5.0

Prepared, thorough, not rushed. Inspires confidence.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 20, 2024

5.0

Really on top of his game

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 19, 2024

4.0

He's a pro.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 14, 2024

5.0

Patient, good listener, and good analysis.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 12, 2024

5.0

Dr. Akhtar has a very calming effect and makes sure that he has answered my questions. His knowledge of my condition is outstanding.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 12, 2024

5.0

Explains things in an understandable way and answers all questions .

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 07, 2024

5.0

Very caring

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 06, 2024

5.0

He was able to listen and address the issues.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 24, 2024

5.0

Extremely knowledgeable, thorough and professional

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 23, 2024

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is as attentive as he is smart. Medical students should watch a video of him with a patient; they would learn a lot

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 23, 2024

5.0

His hands on attention is effective

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 15, 2024

5.0

He listened to me and was very down to earth in his explanation.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 15, 2024

5.0

Very good doctor.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 08, 2024

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is an awesome doctor!! He cares a lot about his patients, and makes sure they understand the care they are receiving.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 03, 2024

5.0

Thorough and listens

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 01, 2024

5.0

Knowledge and bedside manner

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 26, 2024

5.0

Read my health history the day before. Came armed with pertinent questions. Stunning.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 26, 2024

5.0

Great listener, thorough knowledge/understanding of my case, and compassionate, wise advice and care.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 22, 2024

5.0

Dr Akhtar was both thorough and professional as he answered all of our questions.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 19, 2024

5.0

He is very caring and competent

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 18, 2024

5.0

Again, I feel confident in his knowledge.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 13, 2024

5.0

Dr Akhtar is an awesome doctor that is a given. Coupled with his skillets in neurology, are his unique ability to listen and correspondingly develops an action plan. I hadn't seen Dr Akhtar in over a year, and he still treated me as a patient who has been following up with him on a regular basis. He is one of the most well rounded and knowledgeable neurologists that I have had the pleasure of meeting. Strong character and not an ounce of arrogance places Dr Akhtar in a league of his own.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 13, 2024

5.0

Great physician, really thorough, professional and caring

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 11, 2024

5.0

He’s regarding, respectful, patient with patient and caregiver. Trust, confidence, relatedness is easy for us.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 05, 2024

5.0

Dr. Akhtar spent a long time talking to me, examining me and answering my questions. He discussed possible solutions for many of my symptoms. He seems thorough, competent and personable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 05, 2024

5.0

Takes his time with you and does not rush thew

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 04, 2024

5.0

Extremely intelligent doctor with a great background and thorough in his work

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 28, 2023

5.0

Because he is smart.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 26, 2023

5.0

He was very knowledgeable and personable. He was thorough in his evaluation.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 20, 2023

5.0

He seemed to be very knowledgeable about thetopics we discussed

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 18, 2023

5.0

Excellent bedside manner. Very knowledgable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 15, 2023

5.0

Very attentive to my medical concerns and needs and provided options for my care.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 14, 2023

5.0

Please see the comment above. My initial diagnosis was a 5 minute workup from a local neurologist. I was told the news and shoved out the door. My care team at NW has been thorough and compassionate.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 14, 2023

5.0

Good listener and diagnosis

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 13, 2023

5.0

He listen to me and had helpful recommendations.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 10, 2023

5.0

He obviously is an expert but he listens and cares about his patients

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 10, 2023

5.0

Very personable and showed concern for my problems

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 09, 2023

5.0

He loves what he does and it shows. Did not rush me he took the time and explained everything in detail in a way I could understand Excellent doctor

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 07, 2023

5.0

Excellent care

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

December 01, 2023

5.0

Top notch in our book! Makes the time. His staff are great!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 18, 2023

5.0

I think he is very good. He is really up to date and wants to assist the patient to improve life style.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 18, 2023

5.0

More knowledgeable than previous doctors.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 17, 2023

5.0

He was very patience during my Televisit even though my visit was knocked out when I was getting incoming phone calls. He was able to complete my visit without rushing.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 17, 2023

5.0

He is an expert in movement disorders

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 11, 2023

5.0

Great communication skills

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 03, 2023

5.0

Patient oriented - takes the time to discuss your use and care of your DBS.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 02, 2023

5.0

Dr. Akhtar is an expert and very knowledgeable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 02, 2023

5.0

He’s a great Doctor! He listens and is educated in my rare condition

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

November 01, 2023

5.0

This is my first visit with Dr. Akhtar. He spent an inordinate amount of time with me. He was so knowledgeable, so bright and so kind I look forward to having a long history with him as his patient with Parkinson’s previous to this I was in San Francisco at UCSF, which was also impressive, but Dr Akhtar changes the whole bar

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 28, 2023

5.0

Experience

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 27, 2023

5.0

put my mind at ease

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 20, 2023

5.0

Intelligent, thorough and definitely an out-of-the-box thinker. Some thing I need after many years of searching.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 19, 2023

5.0

superb clinician, compassionate and caring care giving

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 13, 2023

5.0

He listens and cares.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 13, 2023

5.0

He explains everything and is a very good listener

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 13, 2023

5.0

He takes his time with you He is so knowledgeable He cares for his patients and wants to find solutions for you

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 10, 2023

5.0

Excellent doctor who is thorough and succinct in his examination and explanation.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 06, 2023

5.0

We love Dr Akhtar. He takes the time to talk to the patient and family members. Hes asks a lot of questions and he is a good listener. He is just generally a nice person to be around. We always feel better after meeting with him.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 06, 2023

5.0

He asked questions that were relevant and offered ideas that could present help.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 05, 2023

5.0

Dr. Akhtar has one of the most caring way of explaining our situation to us. His “bedside mannor” is amazing, make us fully understand how his team determined our diagnosis. Just an amazing person.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 05, 2023

5.0

The doctor carefully reviewed the results of the exams, asked about the medications I was prescribed, examined me physically, explained how to better take care of my mental health, and guided me on the procedure to follow to obtain physical therapy. He is careful and made sure I understood what he was telling me.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 05, 2023

5.0

Dr. Akhtar reminds me of my father, someone who wants to help find and explain things in a way that makes a lot of sense. Also helps that Dr. Akhtar is so attentive and observant and his smile and enthusiasm help, too.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 05, 2023

5.0

I love Dr. Akhtar! He’s a great physician!!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 05, 2023

5.0

Competent caring physician.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

October 03, 2023

5.0

We believe we are getting top notch care for Parkinsonism condition. We believe that he is bright, on top of what’s what with Parkinson’s disease and patient care. He engages in such a kind, regarding and respectful manner, both to patient and care partner.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 29, 2023

5.0

Dr.Akhtar was very thorough and helpful at my first appointment with him. He was responsive to my questions and I am pleased with him agreeing to a second follow up appointment via telephone.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 29, 2023

5.0

Dr. Aktar took the time so explain everything slowly and made sure I understood all the information. He was very kind and answered all my questions. He showed me the results of my EMG and went over what the purpose of it was and what the results meant. All options of treatment were gone over throughly and gave me options and what steps to take now and from when I go back for another followup in four months.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 22, 2023

5.0

He is highly intelligent and knowledgeable and makes things easy for me to understand. Best bedside manners and patient

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 19, 2023

5.0

Dr. Akhtar took the time to make a thorough diagnosis and explain treat.ent options.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 17, 2023

5.0

Extremely knowledgeable and thorough.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 16, 2023

5.0

Dr Akhtar has impressive qualifications. He provided a thorough review of treatment options, listened carefully, was very kind and pleasant. Felt I got a very good outcome from the visit.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 15, 2023

5.0

Professional, informative, clear

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 15, 2023

5.0

He listened to me. He explained what he was doing and why, was very professional in all respects and he made me feel comfortable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 14, 2023

5.0

He is a knowledgeable, great teacher and caregiver. Great conversations about the disease and what to expect

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

September 13, 2023

5.0

Understanding

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!
View more reviews

Disclosures

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.

View More Disclosures