Best pediatric cardiac surgeons in Turkey: TOP 57 doctors

2017 - Present, Istanbul/Istanbul/Türkiye

MEMORIAL SISLI AND MEMORIAL ATASEHIR HOSPITAL

Pediatric Cardiology Specialist

2014 - 2017, Istanbul/Istanbul/Türkiye

ISTANBUL NEW CENTURY UNIVERSITY PRIVATE GOP HOSPITAL CHILD HEALTH AND DISEASES DEPARTMENT

Head of Department <br>Child Heart Diseases Clinic Manager

2008 - 2014, Istanbul/Istanbul/Türkiye

KOSUYOLU HEART HOSPITAL CHILDREN'S CARDIOLOGY CLINIC

Clinic Chief of Pediatric Cardiology Clinic

2004 - 2007, Istanbul/Istanbul/Türkiye

ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE, DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Faculty Member

2000 - 2004, Edirne/Edirne/Türkiye

TRAKYA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD HEALTH AND DISEASES

Faculty Member

1997 - 2000, Istanbul/Istanbul/Türkiye

KADIKOY HEALING HOSPITAL

Child Health and Diseases Specialist

Pediatrics

PEDIATRICS

Areas of Interests

• Obesity
• Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma
• Growth and Developmental Delay
• Check-Up (General Health Check)
• Pediatric Emergencies
• Respiratory Diseases
• Vitamin Deficiencies
• Functional Medicine

Experience:

• LIV HOSPITAL ULUS HOSPITAL - 2024 - Present, Istanbul/Türkiye (Associate Professor of Pediatrics)
• MEMORIAL BAHÇELİEVLER HOSPITAL - 2023 - 2024, Istanbul/Türkiye (Associate Professor of Pediatrics)
• ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE - 2019 - 2023, Istanbul/Türkiye (Associate Professor of Pediatrics)
• MEMORIAL HİZMET HOSPITAL - 2016 - 2019, Istanbul/Türkiye (Pediatric Specialist)
• ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE - 2013 - 2016, Istanbul/Türkiye (Pediatrics Specialist)
• KARABÜK STATE HOSPITAL - 2011 - 2013, Karabük/Türkiye (Pediatric Specialist)
• ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE - 2006 - 2011, Istanbul/Türkiye (Pediatrics)

Education:

• ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE - 2006 - 2011, Istanbul / Türkiye (Pediatrics Specialization Training)
• ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE - 2000 - 2006, Istanbul / Türkiye (Medical Doctor Education)
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• Associate Professor in Child Health and Diseases
• Lecturer at Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
• Dozens of articles and scientific publications published in national and international journals
• Dozens of books and book chapters published by national and international publishing houses
• Oral presentations and posters made at national and international congresses
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• Turkish Medical Association
• Istanbul Medical Faculty Alumni Association

Areas of Interests

• 0-18 Years Old Healthy Child Monitoring and Tracking
• Breast Milk, Breastfeeding and Nutrition Consultancy
• Newborn Care and Follow-up
• Vaccines and Preventive Medicine
• Nutrition in Infancy and Childhood
• Childhood Diseases

Education:

• Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 2009-2015
• Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Department of Child Health and Diseases 2016-2019
• Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases 2020

Experience:

• Liv Hospital Ulus
• Private Levent Hospital 2022-2023
• Van Özalp State Hospital 2021-2022
• Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital Child Health and Diseases Clinic 2020
• Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Child Health and Diseases Clinic 2016-2019
• Denizli State Hospital Pediatric Emergency Service 2015-2016
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• Psoriatic Arthritis in the Differential Diagnosis of Zinc Deficiency - Scientific Poster Presentation (38th Pediatrics Days - 2016)
• Myoclonic Epilepsy in a Patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus - Scientific Poster Presentation (39th Pediatrics Days - 2017)
• Evaluation of Children Diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis - Specialization Thesis (November 2020)

Prof. Dr. Mert Yilmaz is a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He specializes in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery. He graduated from Istanbul University in 1988. He completed his residency at Uludag University and received further training at the Royal South Hants Hospital in the UK.

Dr. Yilmaz was among the first in Turkey to perform endovascular repair of abdominal aneurysms. He completed the country’s second case. He has led cardiovascular surgery departments at leading hospitals. He now heads the department at Kadıköy Florence Nightingale Hospital. He is also a full professor at Halic University and an international member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (USA).

Dr. Yilmaz has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including 7 first-in-literature reports. He holds accreditations from the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Dr. Murat Erol is a general dentist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He graduated from Ege University Faculty of Dentistry in 2002. He provides care in English.

He offers preventive care and restorative treatments, including aesthetic fillings, crowns, and bridges. He also performs root canal therapy. His aesthetic services include whitening, composite bonding, and smile design. He provides fixed and removable prosthetics. His plans focus on oral function and natural aesthetics. Each treatment is tailored to the patient.

Professional Experience

• 1999-2000: Şırnak Military Hospital, Military Service
• 2001-2007: Süreyyapaşa Chest, Heart, and Vascular Diseases Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic
  • Contributed to the establishment of the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic
  • 2005: Awarded the title of Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Surgery
• 2007-2009: Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital
• 2009-2011: Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Assistant Chief
• 2011-2017: Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Instructor
• 2016-2017: Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Education Officer
• 2017-2024: Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Medicine, Professor
  • Head of Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Medicine
• Since July 2024: Medipol Acıbadem District l Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgeon

Dr. Mustafa Aydın is an Internal Medicine specialist. He graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2009. He provides evidence-based care for adults, including diagnosis and treatment. He communicates in English.

His clinical focus includes chronic disease management, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders. He treats gastrointestinal problems, including reflux, gastritis, ulcers, and liver diseases, and respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. He manages infectious diseases. He provides preventive care with routine screenings, risk assessments, and personalized health plans.

Dr. Mustafa Emiroglu is a general surgery specialist at Memorial Bodrum Hospital. He has significant experience from his work at Sağlık Bilimleri University Tepecik SUAM (2016–2023) and Kırşehir Hospital (1997–1999).

He earned his medical degree from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. He completed his specialization at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. Dr. Emiroglu is a member of the Turkish Society of Surgery, the Endocrine Surgery Association, and the Colorectal Surgery Association.

He has attended advanced courses, including the Europe Senology Academia. He has also received training in proctologic, hemorrhoidal, and oncoplastic breast surgery, as well as thyroid diseases.

Dr Nimet Ozcan is a dermatologist with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from the Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine in 2008. She completed her dermatology specialization at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital in 2014. She provides care in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

Clinical focus: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and fungal and bacterial infections. Dermato-oncology with early detection and surgical excision of suspicious lesions. Dermal fillers, chemical peels, and mesotherapy. Laser treatment for vascular lesions, pigmentation disorders, and hair removal. Pediatric dermatology. Languages: English.

Dermatologist Dr. Osman Serdar Akkaya graduated from Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine in 1981. He completed his dermatology specialization there in 1985. He has more than 35 years of experience and is among the most senior dermatologists in the region.

His practice includes general dermatology, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, vitiligo, and urticaria. He focuses on dermato-oncology and performs surgery for benign and malignant skin tumors. He also offers cosmetic dermatology, including fillers, mesotherapy, and chemical peels. He provides laser and light-based treatments for vascular lesions, pigment disorders, scars, and hair removal. He treats geriatric skin conditions and chronic skin diseases.

Dr. Ozlem Yogurtcu is a general surgeon with extensive experience. She graduated from Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency at Haseki Training and Research Hospital, 1st Surgical Clinic. She is fluent in English.

Her practice includes gastrointestinal surgery (gallbladder disease, hernias, appendicitis, other gastrointestinal conditions). It also includes endocrine surgery (thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal) and breast surgery (benign and malignant conditions). She treats emergency and trauma cases. She performs minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.

She is known for precise surgery and a patient-centered approach.

Dr. Derya Zengin Metli is a physician specialized in physical therapy and rehabilitation. She graduated from Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine. Her practice includes physical therapy and physiotherapy services. She also consults in English.

Her clinical scope includes musculoskeletal rehabilitation for back, neck, and joint pain, and herniated discs. She provides neurological rehabilitation for stroke and multiple sclerosis. She also offers post-surgical rehabilitation after orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures, sports injury prevention and treatment, and chronic pain management for fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Dyt. Yaren Nur Güngör is a dietitian. She graduated from the Faculty of Nutrition and Dietetics. She provides evidence-based, personalized nutrition counseling in English. She designs tailored programs for health promotion, disease management, and weight control.

Her clinical focus includes diet plans for diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and other metabolic issues. She also guides weight loss and gain and improves body composition. She offers sports nutrition and nutrition care for children and teens. She provides preventive nutrition with lifestyle counseling. Her approach is patient-centered and motivating.

Dr. Cevat Azeroglu is a radiologist. He graduated from the Tabriz University Faculty of Medicine in 1987. He completed his radiology specialization at Ondokuz Mayıs University in 2011. Born in 1959, he provides advanced imaging to support accurate, timely decisions for many specialties.

His expertise includes conventional radiology with X-rays for musculoskeletal and chest disease. He performs ultrasound of the abdomen, thyroid, vessels, and soft tissues. He interprets CT and MRI for neurological, cardiovascular, and oncologic conditions. He practices interventional radiology with image-guided, minimally invasive procedures. He also focuses on oncologic imaging for staging and follow-up. He is known for diagnostic precision, use of modern imaging tools, and strong teamwork.

Dr Erdem Gelegen is an ophthalmologist with over 20 years of experience in cataract, refractive, retinal, glaucoma, and corneal/anterior segment care. He performs phacoemulsification with premium intraocular lenses. He provides laser vision correction for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. He treats diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, keratoconus, and anterior segment disorders, including corneal transplants.

He graduated from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 1999. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital in 2004. He is known for precise microsurgery and the use of advanced ophthalmic technologies.

Dr. Erkancakir is a specialist in pediatric chest diseases. He has experience with acute and chronic respiratory problems, respiratory tract infections, and bronchoscopic procedures. His areas of focus include asthma, sleep-related breathing disorders, cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis.

He completed his medical degree at Istanbul University. He continued his specialty training at Göztepe Training and Research Hospital and Marmara University. Dr. Erkancakir has worked at leading institutions, such as Bezmialem Vakıf University and Süreyyapaşa Chest Diseases Training and Research Hospital.

He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Turkish Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society. Dr. Erkancakir has received more than 20 national and international awards for his research and presentations, especially in pediatric pulmonology and cystic fibrosis.

Dr. Sertac Cicek is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon with over 40 years of medical experience. He has spent more than 30 years specializing in cardiac surgery, focusing on complex congenital and pediatric heart procedures. He trained at leading centers worldwide and completed fellowships at Texas Heart Institute, Mayo Clinic, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This combination of fellowships is rare in the field.

Dr. Cicek is the Chief of Pediatric and Adult Cardiovascular Surgery at Liv Hospital Vadistanbul. He leads advanced surgical programs and performs specialized operations, including Ozaki aortic valve reconstructions, Ebstein anomaly repairs, and minimally invasive heart surgeries. He is also a pioneer in hybrid coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Dr. Cicek holds ECFMG certification and active medical licenses in Turkey, Minnesota, and West Virginia. He has received several awards, such as the GATA 100th Anniversary Scientific Achievement Award and a Presidential Citation from the Asian Society for Cardiovascular Surgery. He is a founding member of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery and has been listed in Who’s Who in Medicine & Healthcare for 20 years.

• Specializes in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery including congenital heart defects and valve disorders.