Best Doctors in Istanbul

Dr. Ayhan Kara is a neurosurgeon at Central Hospital in Istanbul. He has performed hundreds of endoscopic spine surgeries. Dr. Kara specializes in minimally invasive procedures for the cervical and lumbar spine. He completed his medical training at Dicle University and specialized in neurosurgery at Kartal Hospital.

• Completed a clinical internship at the Helios Clinic in Hamburg.
• Performs anterior lumbar discectomy, nucleoplasty, and spinal fixation.
• Focuses on surgical methods that shorten rehabilitation time.
• Works at Central Hospital, which treats 138,000 patients annually.

Dr. Akif Albayrak leads clinical and surgical spine services at Central Hospital in Istanbul. He is a professor specializing in complex spinal disorders for adults and children. Dr. Albayrak completed a fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. He focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis.

• Performs minimally invasive surgery, spine reconstruction, and trauma care.
• Treats patients at Central Hospital, which uses AI-powered MRI and CT systems.
• Contributes regularly to international orthopedic literature and academic research.
• Expert in limb lengthening, joint replacements, and therapeutic knee arthroscopy.

Dr. Mehmet Salih Iyikesici is a medical oncologist. His work focuses on metabolically supported chemotherapy (MSCT), ketogenic diet–supported cancer care, hyperthermia, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and insulin potentiation therapy. He emphasizes care for breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancers.

He is a Medical Oncology Specialist at Neolife Medical Center (2026–present). He previously served at Private Bahçelievler Medical Park (2013–2026), Medicana Beylikdüzü (2010–2013), Silivri Anadolu (2009–2010), Diyarbakır Training and Research (2008–2009), and Bursa Çekirge State (2006–2008). Earlier, he worked as an Internal Medicine Specialist (1997–2003). He was an Assistant Professor at Altınbaş University (2014–2026).

Training: Medical Oncology subspecialty, Marmara University (2003–2006). Internal Medicine, Istanbul Haydarpaşa Numune (1992–1996). Medicine, Uludağ University (1985–1990). Member, Medical Oncology Association (since 2004). His recent research (2019–2020) covers gastric, breast, pancreatic, and lung cancers. Topics include long‑term survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer and feasibility in metastatic non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Dr. Malik Ashkar is Head of Doctors at Mira Clinic and a specialist in Endodontics (root canal treatment). He qualified as a dentist in 2016. His work focuses on dental diagnosis and treatment planning. He performs advanced root canal procedures to treat infected or injured tooth nerves, relieve pain, and preserve natural teeth. His aim is lasting oral health.

As Head of Doctors, he oversees treatment quality. He sets clinical protocols and supports the medical team in complex cases. His experience includes root canal therapy, restorative treatment planning, and dental pain management. He provides precise, comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Dr. Esmail Abdulahi Ahmed (“Esmail Dhodan”), Kulak Burun Boğaz (KBB) uzmanıdır. Tıp eğitimini 19 Mayıs Üniversitesi’nde tamamladı. Uzmanlık eğitimini İstanbul Okmeydanı Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi’nde aldı.

Klinik pratiğinde burun estetiği (rinoplasti) ve fonksiyonel burun cerrahisine odaklanır. Haber kaynaklarına göre 7.500’ün üzerinde ameliyat gerçekleştirdi.

Rinoplasti ve septoplasti başta olmak üzere fonksiyonel ve estetik burun düzeltmeleri yapar. Anatomik ve yapısal düzenlemelerde yüksek hassasiyetle çalışır.

Dr. Nadira Islamoğlu is a dentist at Mira Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. She holds a dental degree and has six years of clinical experience. She practices general dentistry with a focus on restorative and cosmetic treatments. Her work addresses both function and appearance.

She works with a multidisciplinary team to provide personalized, comprehensive care. Her approach is patient centered and precise. She keeps up to date with the latest dental techniques through continuing education. She treats a diverse international patient base and speaks Arabic, English, and Turkish.

The doctor is an esteemed Psychiatry Professor specializing in treating alcoholism and schizophrenia in children and teens. Significant contributions to the field have led to recognition and involvement in notable events, including serving as a jury member at the AUA 2020 event. The doctor has also shared expertise through public speeches, particularly on Burnout Syndrome, providing insights and coping strategies.

Dr. Husnu Erkmen is a psychiatrist at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital in Turkey. He specializes in treating bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and severe obsessive disorders. Dr. Erkmen is a member of the American Psychiatric Association. He sits on the advisory boards of multiple scientific medical journals.

• Treats complex conditions including anorexia, autism, and social phobia.
• Performs psychotherapy and medical treatments for adult and childhood schizophrenia.
• Graduated from the Ankara University School of Medicine.
• Works at a JCI-accredited facility ranked as Europe’s second-best brain hospital.

Dr. Ali Sirali is an implantology and periodontology specialist at Inci Dis International Dental Clinic. He served as a former faculty member at Bezmialem Vakif University. Dr. Sirali graduated from Istanbul University in 2006. He focuses on surgical dentistry and complex gum treatments.

• Performs dental implant placement, sinus lifting, and bone graft applications.
• Treats periodontitis using advanced techniques like flap operations and tissue grafts.
• Provides surgical tooth extractions and gingivectomy procedures.
• Works at a clinic holding JCI, ISO, and TEMOS international quality accreditations.

Dr. Sinan Karaaslan is a medical oncologist at Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul. He specializes in treating breast, colorectal, and urogenital system cancers. Dr. Karaaslan brings clinical expertise from major institutions, including Medical Park and Gülhane Military Medical Academy. He works at a hospital affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

• Holds personal certification from the European Society for Medical Oncology.
• Treats complex conditions, including stage 4 colon and lung cancers.
• Member of the Turkish Medical Oncology and Turkish Lung Cancer societies.
• Performs systemic therapies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.

Dr. Tayfun Apuhan founded the ENT department at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental. He has performed over 4,000 procedures throughout his career. Dr. Apuhan serves as a professor and head of the audiometry program at Doğuş University. He has published over 200 scientific works in the field of head and neck surgery.

• Trained at The Ohio State University and University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf.
• Specializes in functional rhinoplasty, revision nose jobs, and endoscopic sinus surgery.
• Treats head and neck cancers, including tongue and laryngeal tumors.
• Performs pediatric surgeries for tonsils, adenoids, and cleft lip repair.

Dr. Huseyin Sinan is a board-certified general surgeon at JCI-accredited Lokman Hekim Istanbul Hospital. He specializes in metabolic and morbid obesity surgery. He completed a fellowship in laparoscopic surgery at the University of Washington. Dr. Sinan has held leadership roles in both military and civilian health sectors.

• Member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.
• Performs specialized transit bipartition and ileal interposition procedures.
• Treats morbid obesity, metabolic disorders, and type 2 diabetes.
• Former Chief Physician of Van Military Hospital and SAM Samsun Military Hospital.

Dr. Mustafa Akarcay is an ENT specialist at Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul. He is the former Head of the ENT Department at Demiroğlu Bilim University. Dr. Akarcay has served as an Associate Professor at İzmir and İnönü Universities. He treats a variety of ear, nose, and throat diseases using modern surgical techniques.

• Served as Department Head at Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital.
• Held teaching roles as a lecturer for over a decade.
• Dr. Akarcay works at the first JCI-accredited hospital in Turkey.
• Practiced at leading institutions including Memorial Şişli and Kolan International.

Dr. Tarik Akar is a gastroenterologist and gastrointestinal surgeon at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental in Istanbul. He specializes in early-stage gastrointestinal cancer treatment and complex esophageal conditions. Dr. Akar is an expert in POEM for achalasia and ESD for removing early tumors.

• Trained at Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine and Ankara University.
• Winner of Best Verbal Presentation and Best Poster at the International GI Cancers Congress.
• Authored over 25 papers published in international and local medical journals.
• Performs specialized procedures including G-POEM for gastroparesis and ERCP for bile ducts.

Dr. Serkan Keskin is a medical oncologist at Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul. He ranked first in Turkey in the 2012 Medical Oncology Proficiency Exam. Dr. Keskin treats over 25 types of cancer, including breast, lung, and stomach cancers. He works at a JCI-accredited facility recognized for excellence in oncology.

• Secured second place in Turkey in the 2009 Minor Specialty Certificate Examination.
• Maintains membership in both the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and ESMO.
• Uses chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to treat complex tumors.
• Winner of the Best Poster Award at the 19th National Cancer Congress.

Dr. Abdullah Ozkaya is an ophthalmologist at Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul. He specializes in retinal detachment surgery, vitrectomy, and laser eye procedures. Dr. Ozkaya has published over 80 articles in international journals. His surgical research has earned more than 500 citations from other medical experts. He treats patients at a JCI-accredited facility recognized for high surgical success rates.

• Member of the European Vitreoretinal Society and Turkish Ophthalmology Society.
• Teaches as a faculty member at Aydin University in Istanbul.
• Performs LASIK and macular degeneration surgery alongside complex vitreoretinal repairs.
• Expert in diagnostic tests including slit lamp exams and vision field studies.

Dr. Esra Tustas Haberal is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental in Istanbul. She won the Schering German First Prize for her research on reproductive health. Dr. Haberal specializes in managing high-risk pregnancies and treating infertility. She also performs pelvic floor and genital aesthetic surgeries.

• Expertise in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic minimally invasive procedures.
• Treats reproductive conditions including endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, and uterine fibroids.
• Performs gynecological surgeries such as myomectomy and hysterectomy.
• Works at JCI-accredited Hisar Hospital, which serves 500,000+ patients annually.