Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güner ÇAKMAK is a highly skilled and experienced specialist in General Surgery, currently practicing at Lokman Hekim University İstanbul Hospital. With a medical degree earned from Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital in 1997, he has built an extensive career, focusing on various advanced surgical techniques. His areas of expertise include laparoscopic surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, and various types of laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeries, including those for hernias, reflux, and esophageal issues. He is also highly experienced in hemorrhoid surgery and surgeries for anal fistulas and fissures.
Throughout his career, Dr. Çakmak has made significant contributions to medical literature, having published over 43 articles in international peer-reviewed journals and 16 in national journals. He is also the author of 20 technical notes, case reports, and research articles. His commitment to advancing medical knowledge is reflected in the numerous awards he has received, with a total of 9 prizes recognizing his exceptional work in surgery. Fluent in Turkish, English, and German, Dr. Çakmak offers comprehensive care to his patients, employing the latest minimally invasive techniques to ensure the best outcomes.
At Lokman Hekim University İstanbul Hospital, he continues to provide expert care, focusing on complex surgeries, with an emphasis on laparoscopic and metabolic procedures. His work is marked by a dedication to patient well-being and continuous professional development, making him a trusted choice for individuals seeking high-quality surgical care in Turkey.
Chief of Cardiac Surgery
Highly regarded medical professional with extensive experience in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, performing groundbreaking procedures, and leading highly successful departments to advance healthcare treatments worldwide. Accomplished professional that has pioneered surgeries, published over 100 papers in international journals, and presented over 2K lectures worldwide. Expert surgeon with strong record of founding and leading associations, creating departments to support cardiovascular treatments, and facilitating comprehensive instruction to bolster student knowledge and practice of advanced medical procedures/treatments.
Professional Expertise Fields
Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Surgery Heart TX and Ventricular Assist Device Implantation | Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery Total Arterial Coronary Bypass Surgery
| Minimally Invasive Congenital Cardiac Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery
| Coronary Artery Bypass Operations Adult Congenital Heart Surgery |
Pioneering Accomplishments in Surgery
First Heart-Lung Transplantation (1998) First Heart Transplantation in Child (1998) First Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (1999) First PDA Closure by VATS (1999) | First Domino Procedure (1999) Thoracoscopic Excision of Hydatic Cyst in Lung (2000) Minimal Invasive Excision of Hydatic Cyst in Lung (2000)
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Professional Experience
1989-2023 (Present) – Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
2004-2023 (Present) – President, Heart and Health Foundation of Turkey
2014-2016 – President, European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery
2009 – Heart Transplantation Center License Renewal, Dokuz Eylül University
2000 – Launched Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Program for Adult Patients, Dokuz Eylul University
1996 – Assigned as Professor at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dokuz Eylül University
1996 – Launched Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Program for Child Patients, Dokuz Eylul University
1990 – Founded Pediatric and Newborn Heart Surgery Program, Dokuz Eylul University
1989-2001 – Founding Chairman of Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dokuz Eylul University
1989 – House Surgeon, Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, Royal Infirmary Hospital, Edinburgh
Education
2011 – Received Ministry of Health of Turkey Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Certificate
1996 – Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dokuz Eylul University
1990 – Associate Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Dokuz Eylul University
1986-1989 – Military Service at Gülhane Military Academy Hospital and Compulsory Service at Higher Specialization Hospital of Turkey
1980-1986 – Specialization Training in Cardiovascular Surgery (Clinical Directors: Prof. Dr. Aydın Aytac and Prof. Dr. Yüksel Bozer), Hacettepe University
1974-1980 – School of Medicine, Hacettepe University
Professional Affiliations
2004 – Fellow, American College of Cardiology (FACC)
2002 – Member, European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery (ESCVS)
2001 – Fellow, European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
2000 – Member, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)
1996 – Member, Turkish Association of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
1995 – Member, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery
1993 – Member, National Society of Vascular and Cardiovascular Surgery
1992 – Member, European Organ Transplant Association
1992 – Member, European Society of Vascular Surgery
1992 – Member, European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS)
1987 – Member, Turkish Society of Vascular Surgery
1987 – Board Member, Mediterranean Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
International and National Duties and Professional Activities
2023 – Chairman, Asian Heart Society Council on Cardiovascular Surgery
2005-2024 – President, International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (UCCVS) (Annual congress organization of Heart and Heart Foundation of Turkey)
2012-2014 – President, of European Society for Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery
2011 – Director of Transplantation Institute, Dokuz Eylul University
2010 – Treasurer, European Society for Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery
2010 – President, 59th Congress of the European Society for Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery in conjunction with 6th International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
2009 – Board Member, European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery Cardiac
2008-2009 – 1st and 2nd Training Courses of GUCH Working Group in European Society of Cardiology in conjunction with 4th and 5th International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
2007 – ISMICS Winter Workshop Presidency 3th International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
2007 – Treasurer, Working Group of GUCH in European Society of Cardiology
2005 – Cardiovascular Advisory to the Board of the European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, European Society of Cardiology Adult Congenital Heart Disease Working Group Treasurer, Founder President
2004-2023 (Present) – Founder of Heart and Health Foundation of Turkey
2004 – Founder President, Turkish Society of Cardiology, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Working Group
2002-2004 – Chairman, Working Group of Cardiovascular Surgery in European Society of Cardiology
2002 – Chair of the European Society of Cardiology Adult Congenital Heart Disease Working Group
2000 – 2002 Vice Chairman, Working Group of Cardiovascular Surgery in European Society of Cardiology,
1998 – Vice President, Cardiovascular Working Group of the European Society of Cardiology
1998 – Vice President, European Society of Cardiology Adult Congenital Heart Disease Working Group
1996-1998 – President, Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Symposiums in Izmir
1996 – President, 8th National Vascular Surgery Congress
1996 – Board Member, National Society of Pediatric Cardiology
1995-1999 – President, Local Monthly Cardiovascular Surgery Meetings in Izmir
1995 – Establishment and Presidency, National Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Association Izmir Branch
1993 – President, European Society of Cardiology Cardiovascular Surgery Working Group
1987 – Board Member, Mediterranean Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
International Editorial Duties
Heart Surgery Forum
Innovations
E-Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Editor-in-Chief)
Congress Scientific Programme Committee Membership
European Society of Cardiology Congress (ESC)
International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Congress (ISMICS)
World Congress of Cardiology (WCC)
The European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery Congress (ESCVS)
International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (UCCVS)
Scholarships – Certificates – Awards
2011 – Best Innovative Surgeon Award, Euro – Asian Bridge Meeting
1974 – Cumhuriyet High School, Ankara “First Degree Graduation”