A physician by training with an academic background in genetics and pediatrics, he transitioned from clinical and research roles at Atatürk University into high-level political appointments within the Turkish government.
Academic and Medical Training
Born in Erzurum in 1960, Akdağ completed his medical education at Atatürk University in 1984. He subsequently performed two years of mandatory service as a practitioner in Karabük before specializing in Child Health and Diseases at Atatürk University. In 1991, he undertook specialized studies at King's College London, focusing on molecular biology and polymerase chain reaction techniques. Upon returning to Turkey in 1992, he contributed to the establishment of the first Molecular DNA laboratory in Eastern Anatolia. He attained the rank of professor in 1999 and completed a course on gene therapy at the Karolinska Institutet in 1998.
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During the 1990s and early 2000s, Akdağ held various administrative and research positions at the Atatürk University Research Hospital. He served as deputy chief doctor and acted as deputy editor for the institution's medical bulletin. His committee work included memberships in the transfusion and ethical oversight boards, as well as the pharmaceutical research division. His research output comprises approximately 100 scientific articles and conference announcements, with 20 appearing in international publications. In 1996, the Chamber of Doctors of İstanbul recognized his writing with the Article of the Year prize.
Political Career and Health Reforms
Elected to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey representing Erzurum in 2002, Akdağ began his tenure as Minister of Health in November of that year. During his service, he implemented reforms intended to reduce administrative bureaucracy and increase operational efficiency within the state hospital network. His policies included initiatives to allow public patients access to private medical treatment funded by the state. He also managed public health responses to outbreaks, such as the 2006 bird flu occurrence, and worked to align national pharmaceutical costs with external standards.
Executive Government Roles
Akdağ held the health portfolio until 2013, when he was succeeded by Mehmet Müezzinoğlu. He later returned to the cabinet, serving again as Minister of Health from 2016 to 2017. Following this role, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, holding that position from July 2017 until July 2018. He remains an active member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Erzurum, Turkey
- Education: Atatürk University, King's College London
- Specialization: Child Health and Diseases, Genetics
- Minister of Health: 2002-2013, 2016-2017
- Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey: 2017-2018
- Languages: Turkish, English
- Children: Six
Questions readers ask
What was Recep Akdağ's primary area of medical expertise?
He was a specialist in Child Health and Diseases and conducted research in molecular biology, specifically regarding polymerase chain reaction techniques.
Which government offices did Akdağ hold?
He served as Minister of Health during two separate periods and held the position of Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey from 2017 to 2018.
Achievements
- Held posts at Atatürk University
