Mohammad N. Akhter, M.D., M.P.H. was appointed Executive Director of the National Medical Association in May of 2007.  Prior to accepting the position, Dr. Akhter most recently served as professor of Community Health and Chairman of the National Public Health Advisory Committee at the Howard University College of Medicine.  He was also Senior Associate Dean for Public and International Health at Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Akhter was Executive Director of the American Public Health Association (APHA) from 1997-2002.  Under his leadership, APHA expanded continuing education programs, and adopted global health as an integral part of its mission.