Best bariatric surgeons in Istanbul: TOP 42 doctors

General Surgery 

Colorectal Surgery 

Obesity and Metabolic Surgery 

Medical Director 

Brief Curriculum Vitae 

I was born in Trabzon on 15.07.1969. After I attended Ismetpaşa Primary School and Cumhuriyet Secondary School, I was graduated from Trabzon High School. I had medical education and training in School of Medicine of Karadeniz Technical University from 1986 to 1992. I worked as medical practitioner in Alacahan subdistrict, Kangal District, Sivas City in 1992-1993 and in Sivas Police Headquarters to fulfill the conscription. I was assigned as Health Group Manager and Medical Practitioner in Dernekpazarı District of Trabzon in 1993-1994. I passed the Examination for Medical Specialty in 1995 and I had my residency training and education at Department of General Surgery in Istanbul School of Medicine of Istanbul University from 1995 to 2000. I was awarded the title of “General Surgeon” after I submitted the medical specialty thesis titled “Relationship between gastrointestinal tumors and HLA” in 2001. After I worked at a privately owned hospital in 2000-2002, I started working in General Surgery Clinic of Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in 2003. I had rotation in General Surgery Clinic of School of Medicine in Istanbul University for 9 months in 2007. I was awarded the title “Associate Professor of General Surgery” in 2010. I undertook Management duties in Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital from November 2012 to December 2013 and in Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital from December 2013 to April 2015. I had been Head of Education and Administrative Affairs, General Surgery clinic at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital since 2010. I am Medical Director and General Surgeon at VM Medical Park Florya Hospital in Istanbul Aydın University as of 2017. 

I have intentionally dealt with renal transplantation during my residency education. After I was awarded the title “medical specialist”, I participated to diagnostic & therapeutic endoscopy, bariatric surgery, laparoscopy and robotic surgery educations abroad for short periods. I am intensively dealing with any and all laparoscopic surgical procedures (especially bariatric and gastrointestinal system surgery) and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound) in this clinic since 2003 and I also play the role of trainer. I do and train others about General Surgery procedures with Da Vinci Robotic system since 2010. 

I authored 74 papers that are published in SCI and SCI-e journals and 55 papers that are published in local journals, along with 7 book chapters and 86 papers presented in local congresses and 180 papers presented in international congresses. 

I am member of Turkish Surgical Association, Turkish Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Turkish Association of Endoscopic – Laparoscopic Surgery, Turkish Association of Obesity Surgery, Turkish Transplantation Centers Coordination Association and Istanbul Surgical Association. I am also member of International Active Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), International Active Member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), International Active Member of International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists (IASGO), International Active Member of International School of Surgical Oncology (ISSO), International Active Member of International Federation Surgical Obesity (IFSO). 

Date of Birth: July 15th, 1969 

Educational Status: 

Bachelor’s Degree School of Medicine Karadeniz Technical University 1992 

Medical Specialty Department of General Surgery, Istanbul School of Medicine İstanbul University 2001 

Title of Medical Specialty Thesis (abstract is attached) and Supervisor: 

1. “Relationship between gastrointestinal tumors and HLA”. February 2001 Supervisor: Prof. Uluğ Eldegez, M.D. 

General Surgeon Büyük Anadolu Hospital 2001-2003 

General Surgeon Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2003-2006 

General Surgeon Istanbul University Emergency Surgery Clinic, Department of General Surgery, Istanbul School of Medicine 2006-9 months 

General Surgeon Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006-2010 

Associate Professor of General Surgery Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2010-…

Head of Training and Administrative Affairs, General Surgery Clinic Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2010 - …

 Doctorate thesis / proficiency in art studies supervised: 

1. Ede, B., “Changes in Thyroid Hormones After Thyroid Surgery”, Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006. 

2. Dodur B., “Factors Influencing Mortality and Morbidity in Gastrointestinal Bleeding” Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006. 

Duties undertaken in Projects: 

1. “Enteral Stents for Colonic Obstructions (ESCO): Prospective, randomized European multisentric study, comparing enteral stent followed by elective surgery versus emergency surgical treatment in malignant colonic obstruction. “ European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Clinical Trial Center (CTC) Clinical Trial gov. Identifier: NCT00591695 

2. A phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel group efficiency and safety study that compares safety and efficiency of oral dabigatran etexilate (150 mg BID) with warfarin (INR = 2.0-3.0) in semiannual treatment of acute symptomatic thromboembolism following initial treatment with a parenteral anticoagulant agent, which is approved for the relevant indication, minimum for five days – RECOVER II” Protocol code 1160.46

Editorialships: 

1. General Surgery Department, Advisory Board, Turkish Clinics Medical Sciences Journal, 2010 

2. “Global Journal of Surgery” Editorial Board 2010 

Scientific Organization Memberships: 

1. Turkish Surgical Association 

2. Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 

3. Turkish Association for Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgery 

4. Turkish Obesity Surgery Society 

5. Organ Transplantation Centers Coordination Association 

6. Istanbul Surgical Association 

7. International Active Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). 

8. International Active Member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) 

9. International Active Member of International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists (IASGO). 

10. International Active Member of International School of Surgical Oncology (ISSO). 

11. International Active Member of International Fedaration Surgical Obesity (IFSO)

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (MD): Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, 1989

Specialized Education and Experience:

• General Surgery Specialist Degree: Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, 1997
• Fellowship: Gastroenterology Surgery, Türkiye High Specialization Hospital, 2005

Academic Career:

• Associate Professor: General Surgery, Inonu University, 2011
• Professorship: General Surgery, İnönü University, 2017

Dr. Mehmet Mehdi Deniz is an Associate Professor and general and bariatric surgeon at Vital Hospital. He has over 15 years of surgical experience, starting his career in 2008. His main areas of expertise are bariatric surgery, hernia repair, gastrointestinal disorders, and minimally invasive procedures. He performs Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and advanced laparoscopic surgeries.

Dr. Deniz is also an active medical researcher. He has co-authored more than nine international peer-reviewed publications, which have received over 180 citations. He holds the Turkish Surgical Association’s Competency Certificate (2011) and is a member of the Turkish Surgical Association, BMCD, and Turkish Medical Association.

As an educator, Dr. Deniz has taught key courses to more than 250 medical students. He has also attended over ten advanced surgical workshops. This shows his dedication to ongoing learning and surgical innovation.

Dr. Yahya Özel is a highly experienced general surgeon with expertise in bariatric surgery, hepatobiliary diseases, abdominal hernias, endocrine surgery, and oncological surgery. He completed his medical education at Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1990 and pursued his specialization in General Surgery at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital between 2001 and 2006. His commitment to advanced surgical techniques led him to further training at Tokyo University Hospital, Japan, in the Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Artificial Organ Division under renowned experts M. Makuuchi and N. Kokudo.

Throughout his career, Dr. Özel has worked at prestigious institutions, including Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, and Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital. His extensive experience includes roles in ERCP and surgical endoscopy, as well as advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. In addition to his clinical practice, he has served as an academic faculty member at Doğuş University, contributing to the education and training of future medical professionals.

Dr. Özel holds several certifications in surgical endoscopy, including the Turkish Surgical Proficiency Certificate. His dedication to minimally invasive surgical techniques, obesity treatment, and hepatobiliary surgery has made him a sought-after specialist in his field. With a career spanning over three decades, he continues to provide high-quality, patient-centered surgical care, ensuring the best outcomes through his expertise and innovative approach.

​Dr. Azer Zeynalov is a plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon based in Istanbul, Turkey, with over 12 years of experience in the field.

Dr. M Altan Kaya is a skilled surgeon. He specializes in gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, breast cancer surgery, and hemorrhoidectomy. He completed advanced training in minimally invasive surgery in Hamburg and Strasbourg. Dr. Kaya is dedicated to using the latest techniques to provide the best care for his patients.

He is a member of several respected surgical societies. These include the Turkish Surgical Association, the Society for Colorectal Tumor Surgery, and the European Society of Oncological Surgeons. Dr. Kaya has performed hundreds of complex surgeries. His work has helped improve patient outcomes and raise surgical standards in his field.

2023 – Istanbul Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Education and Research Hospital – General Surgery Clinic Associate Professor

2013 – Istanbul Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Education and Research Hospital – General Surgery Clinic Specialist

2008 – 2013 Private Medical Park Fatih Hospital, General Surgery Specialist - Deputy Chief Physician

2005 – 2007 Private Gelişim Hospital – General Surgery Specialist

2003 – 2005 Private Istanbul Şafak Hospital – General Surgery Specialist - Chief Physician

2002 – 2003 ISTANBUL HASEKİ EDUCATION AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL – General Surgery Clinic Assistant Physician

1998 – 2002 Ankara Education and Research Hospital – General Surgery Clinic Assistant Physician

1998 – Health Sciences University – Istanbul Haseki Health Application and Research Center – Medical Specialization

1991 – Gazi University Faculty of Medicine – Bachelor’s Degree

Certificates

IGM Diagnosis, Treatment Workshop, Granulomatous Mastitis, Kocaeli, Certificate, 07.10.2023 (National)

ibreast 51- Free Flap Reconstruction, Breast Cancer Surgery, Online, Certificate, 30.09.2023 – 30.09.2023 (International)

ibreast 50- Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer, Online, Certificate, 02.09.2023 -02.09.2023 (International)

ibreast 49- Implant Based Reconstruction, Breast Cancer, Online, Certificate, 12.08.2023 -12.08.2023 (International)

ibreast 48- DCIS, İbreast 48- DCIS, Online, Certificate, 15.07.2023 -15.07.2023 (International)

ibreast 47- Conference Updates, Breast Cancer, Online, Certificate, 25.06.2023 -25.06.2023 (International)

ibreast 46- Margin Revisited, Breast Cancer, Online, Certificate, 10.06.2023 -10.06.2023 (International)

1. International 4. National Breast Surgery Congress, Breast Surgery, Ürgüp, Certificate, 05.05.2023 – 07.05.2023 (International)

ibreast 44- HER2 Positive Disease, Breast Cancer, Online, Certificate, 29.04.2023 -29.04.2023 (International)

St-Gallen 2023, St-Gallen Congress Summary Meeting, Istanbul, Certificate, 01.04.2023 -01.04.2023 (National)

ibreast 43- Save The Nipple, Breast Cancer, Online, Certificate, 25.03.2023 -25.03.2023 (International)

ibreast 42-Chest Wall Perforator Flap Revisited, Breast Cancer, Online, Certificate, 25.02.2023 -25.02.2023 (International)

ibreast 41- High Risk And B3 Lesions, Breast Diseases, Online, Certificate, 28.01.2023 -28.01.2023 (International)

15. New Approaches in Breast Cancer Education Meeting, Breast Cancer, Istanbul, Certificate, 07.01.2023 – 08.01.2023 (National)

Articles she wrote and took part in;

1.YILDIRIM EMİNE, BEKTAŞ SİBEL, YETİŞ FIRAT, YILDIZ EREN OZAN, ÖZDEMİR MUHAMMED, KOMUT NESLİHAN, ÇALIK MUSTAFA, ER AHMET MUZAFFER. Correlation between breast and axillary pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Annali Italiani di Chirurgia, 2023

2.UZUN NEDİM, YILDIRIM EMİNE. Relationship Between Toilet Type and Hemorrhoids. Bezmialem Vakif University, 2022

3.YILDIZ EREN OZAN, YILDIRIM EMİNE, ORHUN ERDOĞAN KIVILCIM, ERYILMAZ İKLİL, YÜNLÜEL EMİR MEHMET, YETİŞ FIRAT, ULUKENT SUAT CAN. The effect of the covid 19 pandemic on the number of patients treated for acute and complex acute appendicitis. Annali Italiani di Chirurgia, 2202

4.YILDIRIM EMİNE, BEKTAŞ SİBEL, ÖZDEMİR MUHAMMED, KARAGÜLLE AHENK, ER AHMET MUZAFFER, UÇAR NEŞE. Upgrade Rates of DCIS, Intraductal Papilloma, and the Other High-risk Breast Lesions. Hamidiye Medical Journal, 2022
 

5.ÖZKAN GÜMÜŞKAYA PERİHAN, ALTUN ÖZGÜR, KARAKÜTÜK YÜZTAŞ NUR, ÖZSOY NESLİHAN, AYDIN TUTAK GÜLTEN, YILDIRIM EMİNE, ADAŞ MİNE, KÜÇÜK MEHMET. COVID-19 Pnömonisi Sonrası AntiHBs Değerlerindeki Değişiklikler. Journal of Contemporary Medicine, 2022;12(4), 

6.KOMUT NESLİHAN, BEKTAŞ SİBEL, YILDIRIM EMİNE. The relationship of tumor budding with GOLPH3 expression and histopathological prognostic parameters in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Annals of Diagnostic Pathology 2022 Jun;58:151933. 

7.KAYADİBİ YASEMİN, UÇAR NEŞE, AKAN YEŞİM NAMDAR, KAYA MEHMET FATİH, YILDIRIM EMİNE, ALADAĞ KURT SEDA, SOYLU BOY FATMA NUR, TAŞKIN FÜSUN, İÇTEN GÜL ESEN. Magnetic resonance imaging findings associated with recurrence in idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. Clinical Imaging, 2022

8.YILDIRIM EMİNE, KEĞİN MURAT, ÖZDEMİR MUHAMMED, BEKTAŞ SİBEL, PELEN ZEKERİYA, ER AHMET MUZAFFER. Neoplasms of theAppendix; Single Institution and Ten-Year Experiences Results. Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, 2022;28(3), 352-360

9.YILDIRIM EMİNE, YILDIZ EREN OZAN, ERYILMAZ İKLİL, ER AHMET MUZAFFER, BEKTAŞ SİBEL. Comparison of excised breast volume, re-excision rate and margin positivity in breast-conserving surgery in breast cancer patients using and not using neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Journal of Surgery in Medicine,2022;6

10.YILDIRIM EMİNE, BEKTAŞ SİBEL, PELEN ZEKERİYA, YANIK İREM, ER AHMET MUZAFFER, ÇENGEL FERHAT, ÖZKAN GÜMÜŞKAYA PERİHAN. Histopathological, Radiological, and Demographic Factors Predicting the Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer. Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer, 2022;53(1)

11.KAYADİBİ YASEMİN, KOÇAK BURAK, UÇAR NEŞE, AKAN YEŞİM NAMDAR, YILDIRIM EMİNE, BEKTAŞ SİBEL. MRI Radiomics of Breast Cancer: Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Lymphovascular Invasion Status. Academic Radiology, 2022;29(1), 126-134.

12.YILDIRIM EMİNE, UÇAR NEŞE, YETİŞ FIRAT, KAYADİBİ YASEMİN, BEKTAŞ SİBEL. Diagnostic performance of breast imaging with ultrasonography, magnetic resonance and mammography in the assessment of residual tumor after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Journal of Surgery and Medicine, 2022;6(1), 43-48

13.YILDIRIM EMİNE, BEKTAŞ SİBEL, GÖKTAŞ AYDIN SABİN, ER AHMET MUZAFFER, YANIK İREM, ÖZKAN GÜMÜŞKAYA PERİHAN, YILMAZ BARBAROS UTKU, BİLİCİ AHMET, ÖNCEL MUSTAFA. Factors Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer. Journal of Istanbul Faculty of Medicine / İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi, 2022;85(1), 41-50. 

14.YILDIRIM EMİNE, Pelen Zekeriya, KEĞİN MURAT, UÇAR NEŞE, KAYADİBİ YASEMİN, GÜNDOĞAR ÖZGECAN. Evaluation of the Reliability of Preoperative Ultrasonography and Ultrasonography-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Axillary Staging in Patients With Breast Cancer. Journal of Academic Research in Medicine, 2021;11(3), 269-276., 

15. KAYADİBİ YASEMİN, UÇAR NEŞE, KAYA MEHMET FATİH, YILDIRIM EMİNE, BEKTAŞ SİBEL. Characterization of Suspicious Microcalcifications on Mammography Using 2D Shear-Wave Elastography. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 2022;47(9), 2532-2542. 

16.KAYADİBİ YASEMİN, TEKCAN ŞANLI DENİZ ESİN, UÇAR NEŞE, YILDIRIM EMİNE, ŞANLI AHMET NECATİ. Evaluation of the Appearance Characteristics of Suspicious Microcalcifications Detected by Ultrasonography. Journal of Academic Research in Medicine, 2022;11(2), 199-205. 

17.YILDIRIM EMİNE, ÖZER HİLAL, ÖZER İLTER, KOYUNCU ADİL, YILDIRIM TİMUR. The Effects on Bacterial Translocation and Tissue Damage of Selenium Treatment in an Experimental Intestinal Ischaemia-Reperfusion Model. Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, 2021;27(4), 389-394. 

18.YILDIRIM EMİNE, AKBAŞ PELİN, ORHUN ERDOĞAN KIVILCIM, BEKTAŞ SİBEL, ÖZKAN GÜMÜŞKAYA PERİHAN, ER AHMET MUZAFFER, PALTURA CEKİ. The comparison of the histopathological results of the thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsies in the 795 patients with thyroidectomy. Diagnostic Cytopathology, 2021

Dr. Baris Demiriz is a general and bariatric surgeon in Turkey. He has 15 years of experience in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He has published many articles in national and international journals.

Dr. Demiriz is a member of IFSO, the Turkish Obesity Surgery Association, and the National Society of Endoscopical Laparoscopic Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 2001. He completed his general surgery training at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in 2007.

Personal Information:

• Born in 1967.
• Completed primary education in Istanbul.
• Graduated from Pertevniyal High School in 1984.

Education & Training:

• Enrolled in Marmara University Faculty of Medicine in 1984, completing medical education in English and graduating in 1991.
• Started General Surgery residency at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine in 1991.
• Became a General Surgery Specialist in 1996 with a thesis on "The Effects of Inhibiting the Nitric Oxide Pathway in Radiation Enteritis."
•  

Professional Experience:

• 1996: Joined Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital as a General Surgery staff doctor.
• 2002-2004: Served as a Lecturer and Acting Head of the General Surgery Department at Kadir Has University Faculty of Medicine.
• 2013: Transferred to Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital as a General Surgery specialist, where he continues to work.
•  

Medical Expertise & Achievements:

• Performed the first general surgery operation in Turkey using the Da Vinci robotic system.
• Specializes in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery and continues to perform such procedures.

Positions Held:

• 1991-1996: Research Assistant – Istanbul University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery.
• 1996-2012: General Surgery Specialist – Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital.
• 2002-2004: Lecturer – Kadir Has University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery.
• 2003-2004: Acting Head – Kadir Has University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery.
• 2013-Present: General Surgery Specialist – Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.

Interests 
Robotic surgery,
Advanced laparoscopic surgery(Colorectal and GERD Surgery included),
Laparoscopic hernia surgery,
Breast and thyroid surgery,
Gastrointestinal surgery,
Anal region diseases,
Hepatobiliary surgery

Memberships: 

Turkish Medical Association

Turkish Surgical Society

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery

EXPERIENCE*

2019 - Present, Istanbul/Istanbul/Turkey

MEMORIAL ATAŞEHİR HOSPITAL

General Surgeon

2012 - 2019, Diyarbakır/Diyarbakır/Turkey

DİCLE UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE

General Surgeon

2011 - 2012, Van/Van/Turkey

VAN REGIONAL TRAINING AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL

General Surgeon

2009 - 2011, Van/Van/Turkey

HAKKARİ STATE HOSPITAL

General Surgeon

2004 - 2009, Van/Van/Turkey

YÜZÜNCÜYIL UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE

General Surgeon

2002 - 2004, Van/Van/Turkey

HACIBEKİR HEALTH CENTER

General Practitioner

*EDUCATION*

2018 - 2019, Diyarbakır/Turkey

Associate Professor

2015, Ohio/USA

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER

Neck Dissection Training

2012 - 2018, Diyarbakır/Turkey

Assistant Professor

1996 - 2002, Adana/Turkey

ÇUKUROVA UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF MEDICINE - Medical Doctor Education

Education

1998 – Beykent University Hospital

2004 – Beykent University Hospital, General Surgery

Medical Interests:

Obesity Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgeries (Minimally Invasive)

Bariatric Surgery:

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

Gastric Balloon

Gastric Botox

Other Surgeries and Treatments:

Cancer Surgery

Gallbladder Surgeries

Pilonidal Sinus Treatment

Hemorrhoid and Anal Fissure Surgery

Reflux Surgery

Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Interventions

Oncological Surgery

Dr. Specialist Surgeon Rafail Ibayev is an expert in advanced gastrointestinal surgery. He specializes in both laparoscopic and open procedures for diseases of the stomach, intestine, and rectum. Dr. Ibayev is a recognized leader in obesity and metabolic surgery. He has extensive experience in sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and gastric balloon procedures. His patients achieve high success rates in weight management and metabolic health.

Dr. Ibayev is known for his work in minimally invasive surgery. He performs a wide range of laparoscopic operations that help patients recover faster and with less scarring. He is also skilled in endocrine and breast surgery, including advanced oncoplastic techniques for both benign and malignant conditions. As a gastrointestinal cancer specialist, he performs complex surgeries for liver, stomach, and colorectal tumors. He provides modern and effective oncological care.

Dr. Ibayev is highly trained in anti-reflux surgery, treatment of digestive disorders, endoscopic procedures, hernia repair, splenectomy, and proctologic surgeries. He is committed to patient-centered care and long-term health outcomes.

Born in 1982 in Istanbul, Dr. Fatih Can Karaca completed his high school education at Bahçelievler Super High School in 2000 and then entered Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, graduating in 2006. During his medical training, he was a key player on the faculty's basketball team, winning the 14 March Medical Tournament twice.

In 2007, he began his residency in General Surgery at Istanbul University, developing a keen interest in laparoscopic surgery. He contributed to Turkey's first laparoscopic metabolic surgery for Type 2 diabetes at the Special Metabolic Surgery Clinic in 2009. He continued his education in metabolic surgery at Universal Hospitals’ Taksim German Hospital in 2011 and completed his residency in General Surgery in 2012.

From 2012 to 2014, Dr. Karaca worked as a General Surgery Specialist at Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, followed by a role at a Metabolic Surgery Clinic in Şişli from 2014 to 2017. He gained extensive experience in obesity surgery and the surgical treatment of diabetes during this period. In 2015, he became a lecturer at Istanbul Bilgi University, sharing his knowledge and experiences with younger colleagues, and he was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2016 and Associate Professor in 2021.

Dr. Karaca has held various positions as a General Surgery Specialist in different hospitals, where he established obesity clinics and performed numerous successful surgeries. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) and the Turkish Obesity Surgery Association (TOSS).

An avid sports enthusiast, particularly in basketball and soccer, Dr. Karaca encourages his patients to incorporate sports into their lives. He also enjoys chess and nature walks. He is proficient in English, married, and a father of two.

Dr. Karaca has participated in numerous national and international conferences on obesity surgery, where he has presented his findings and experiences. He has published numerous scientific articles in prestigious international journals in the field of obesity surgery.

Assoc. Dr. Gokmen Ozturk is a General Surgery Specialist with 25 years of experience. He graduated from Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine in 1994. He completed his surgical training at Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital. Dr. Ozturk has also served as Deputy Chief Physician at Trabzon Fatih Regional Hospital.

Dr. Ozturk treats complex surgical cases, including bowel and colorectal cancer, breast cancer, liver metastasis, thyroid diseases, and obesity. He is skilled in minimally invasive and advanced surgical techniques. His approach helps improve patient outcomes and recovery. Dr. Ozturk currently works at Medipol University and Nisa Hospital. He is known for maintaining high standards of care and patient satisfaction.

Associate Professor of General and Bariatric Surgery. Specializes in laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.

Education and Expertise

Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine

Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine

Northwestern University, Transplantation Center

Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital

Bezmialem Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery

Experience

1992 to 1997 – Research Assistant at Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery

1998 to 2002 – Fellow at Northwestern University, Transplantation Unit

2003 to 2008 – Chief Assistant at Kartal Training and Research Hospital

2008 to 2011 – Associate Professor at Kartal Training and Research Hospital

2011 to 2013 – Associate Professor at Bezmialem University Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery

2013 to 2018 – Associate Professor at Kartal Training and Research Hospital


Professional Memberships

-Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Chirurgie

-American Society for Transplantation

-Breast Surgery Association

-Trauma Association

-Hepatobiliary Surgery Association

-Colorectal Surgery Association

Education
1991 to 1997 Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine
1998 to 2003 Ministry of Health Göztepe Training and Research Hospital

Experience
1997 to 1998 Van Edremit Health Center
1998 to 2003 Ministry of Health Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Resident Doctor
2004 to 2007 Sivas State Hospital, General Surgery Clinic, Specialist Doctor
2007 to Present Medical Park Bahçelievler Hospital, Associate Professor

Professional Memberships
-Turkish Medical Association
-Turkish Surgical Society
-Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
-Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery
-Society of Endocrine Surgery