"I would like to know about what unit he was in, where he served....." (Jim Hale)
Joseph W. Akin did serve as Surgeon in the 16th. Regiment, Miss. Infantry from June 12, 1861 until he resigned February 21, 1862. Here is a capsule history of this unit although he is not noted - http://www.mississippiscv.org/MS_Units/16th_MS_INF.htm
I know there are 93 cards in this military service record which includes several letters written by J. W. Akin, these should prove helpful to answering your questions.
J.W. Aiken (First_Last)
Regiment Name General and Staff Officers, Corps, Division and Brigade Staffs, Non-com. Staffs and Bands, Enlisted Men, Staff Departments, C.S.A.
Side Confederate
Company
Soldier's Rank_In Surgeon
Soldier's Rank_Out Surgeon
Alternate Name J.W./Akin
Notes
Film Number M818 roll 1
These records and any available for his service in the 16th. Miss. Regiment may be procured from this site:
http://history-sites.com/research/index.html