Meet Dr. Eda Akyar: Sports & Longevity Medicine in Chicago

SHIFT’s concierge care model is built on access to top-tier physicians, and every addition to our team means more personalized expertise and an even higher standard of care for our Chicago members. That’s why we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Eda Akyar to SHIFT’s concierge primary care team in Chicago.

Prior to joining SHIFT, Dr. Akyar completed her Family Medicine Residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University and her fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. With these experiences, Dr. Akyar brings a dynamic, movement-focused approach to long-term health and wellness. Dr. Akyar’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including injury prevention, women’s health, personalized fitness, and lifestyle medicine. With movement being one of the most powerful predictors of long-term healthspan, Dr. Akyar’s arrival is a timely addition to SHIFT, since only 24% of U.S. adults meet the recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.

Read on to learn about Dr. Akyar’s philosophy on patient care, her approach to care, and why she’s excited to be part of the best interdisciplinary healthcare team in Chicago.
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Getting to Know Dr. Akyar: SHIFT’s Newest Concierge Primary Care Physician in Chicago with a Passion for Longevity and Personalized Medicine

Welcome to SHIFT, Dr. Eda! Tell us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare.

Dr. Akyar: Thank you, I am thrilled to join the SHIFT team! I am originally from New Jersey, but have spent six years in Chicago. My strong passion for science and a desire to help others inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. I completed my residency training in family medicine at NewYork–Presbyterian/Columbia University, and I was drawn to family medicine and concierge primary care in Chicago because it allows me to provide comprehensive care to patients throughout all phases of their lifespan. 

What areas of medicine are you most passionate about, and how have those shaped your career so far?

Dr. Akyar: I am passionate about being active and believe that movement and exercise are essential components of physical and mental health. My other areas of interest include concussion care, women’s healthcare, female sports medicine, and weight loss. 

What drew you to SHIFT and its concierge model of care?

Dr. Akyar: I was drawn to SHIFT because of its unique approach: a multidisciplinary team that supports patients in establishing healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of chronic disease and to promote longevity. In typical healthcare settings, it can be challenging to reach your care team directly for follow-up questions or support, which can lead to delays in care. SHIFT’s concierge model of care, with additional advanced diagnostics, such as genetic testing, enables patients to bypass these barriers and maintain a more connected relationship with their care.

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

Dr. Akyar: My approach to care has three pillars: patient-centered, evidence-based, and collaborative. With this approach, I can understand each patient’s health goals and use all my resources to help them achieve those goals.

In a typical healthcare setting, physicians are often short on time. How does SHIFT’s model allow you to practice differently?

Dr. Akyar: In typical healthcare settings, patient visits are time-limited. As the best concierge primary care practice in Chicago, SHIFT’s model will allow me the time to truly get to know my patients, build a trusted relationship, and provide comprehensive care tailored to each individual.

How do you define exceptional care in today’s complex medical environment?

Dr. Akyar: Exceptional medical care is evidence-based, personalized, and deeply patient-centered. It’s not just about managing illness, but also about empowering patients to live stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling lives with education, empathy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

What can SHIFT members expect when they meet you for the first time?

Dr. Akyar: They can expect to meet a kind-hearted physician in Chicago who is excited to learn about them as an individual and help them increase their healthspan.

What are some areas of health you’re particularly excited to explore with SHIFT members?

‍Dr. Akyar: I look forward to understanding the goals of every patient and exploring how concierge healthcare, physical therapists, nutrition coaching, and personalized fitness can help enrich their overall well-being.

You’re joining a high-performing, multidisciplinary team. How do you see your medical expertise complementing the care that SHIFT members already receive?

Dr. Akyar: I’ll contribute my additional expertise in sports medicine with a focus on physical activity, performance, and injury prevention. I aim to complement the team by providing targeted assessments, non-surgical treatment plans, rehabilitation planning, and return-to-activity strategies that align with each patient’s goals. 

Many of our members are high-achieving professionals with complex schedules. How do you help patients take ownership of their health without adding more stress to their lives?

Dr. Akyar: My approach to helping patients take ownership of their health without adding stress is to meet them where they are and to coach them to set small goals that move the needle forward. I will always remain honest and realistic in goal setting and evaluation to ensure that my patients optimize both their time and potential. By celebrating progress, whether small gains or giant leaps, I hope to support my patients in taking control of their overall health. 

How do you stay up to date with emerging medical research or technology, and how do you decide what’s worth bringing into your patient care?

Dr. Akyar: Medicine is a field of lifelong learning. I regularly engage with peer-reviewed journals and attend professional conferences to ensure I stay up-to-date about both established evidence and cutting-edge developments. 

If there’s one thing you want SHIFT members to know about you, what would it be?

Dr. Akyar: That I’m deeply committed to helping people move, perform, and live better; not just today, but for the long run. Whether I am working with a professional athlete or someone looking to reclaim their health, I bring a mindset that blends performance optimization with preventive care.

Discover the Best Concierge Primary Care in Chicago

We’re excited to have Dr. Eda Akyar as part of SHIFT’s concierge medicine team. Her deep commitment to physical health, movement, injury prevention, and whole-person care reflects the values at the core of SHIFT’s mission. Whether you’re focused on improving performance, managing chronic conditions, or simply feeling your best, Dr. Akyar is here to help you move forward with clarity, compassion, and expertise.