Draft:Deborah Houk
American physician and philanthropist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Deborah Houk (née Akinniyi) is an American internal medicine physician, medical commentator, and philanthropist based in Naples, Florida. She practices as a hospitalist physician in Southwest Florida and has participated in community health advocacy and charitable initiatives.
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- Stanford University (BS, MS)
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (MD)
- Yale–New Haven Hospital (Residency)
- Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40 (2024)
- Haute Living Naples Haute 100
Deborah Houk | |
|---|---|
| Born | Deborah Akinniyi |
| Education |
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| Occupations | Physician, philanthropist |
| Awards |
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Houk has been featured in regional publications, including appearing on the cover of Naples Illustrated in April 2024. [1] Houk was also recognized in Gulfshore Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 list in 2024.[2]
Early life and athletics
Houk was raised in Texas and competed in track and field during her youth. She continued her athletic career at Stanford University, where she was recognized for both academic and athletic achievement, including conference academic honors.
Education
Houk earned both a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a Master of Science in biology from Stanford University. She later received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, with a scholarly concentration in community and urban health.
She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Yale–New Haven Hospital.
Medical career
Following residency training, Houk worked at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, where she served as Director of Hospital Medicine. She later relocated to Southwest Florida and practices as a hospitalist physician providing inpatient care at Naples Community Hospital.[3] [1]
She has been interviewed by WINK News as a medical expert on healthcare topics including medication shortages and chronic disease management.[4]
Houk has contributed to clinical research, including co-authorship of a peer-reviewed study (published under Deborah Akinniyi) examining cardiovascular therapeutics and the role of race in prescribing practices.[5]
Media and publications
Houk has been profiled in regional publications including Naples Illustrated and Naples Press, which have highlighted her medical career and community involvement.[6]
She appeared on the cover of Naples Lifestyle magazine.[7]
She has provided medical commentary in Haute Living, where she has been cited as an expert on topics including heart health, menopause, dementia, and public health issues.[8][9]
Houk was included in Haute Living Naples magazine’s Haute 100 list recognizing influential individuals in the Naples community.[10]
Philanthropy
Houk serves on the board of directors of Youth Haven, Collier County’s emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children.[11]
Houk has served as an event chair for Youth Haven’s annual Starry Nights Gala, including for the 2025 and 2026 events, a signature fundraising event supporting vulnerable youth in Southwest Florida.[12] [13]
The 2025 Starry Nights Gala raised more than $2.5 million for Youth Haven.[14][15]
Personal life
Houk resides in Naples, Florida and is the mother of four children.