Page 2 - Best pediatric cardiac surgeons in Turkey: TOP 40 doctors

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. 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.

Prof. Emin Tireli, MD, is a leading pediatric cardiovascular surgeon. He has performed over 6,329 congenital cardiac surgeries since 1993. He is known worldwide for being one of the first to use the complex Nikaidoh procedure for transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

Dr. Tireli performs more than 100 neonatal cardiac surgeries each year. His expertise includes arterial switch operations, total pulmonary return anomalies, pulmonary banding, and Norwood procedures. He has used hybrid techniques in 15 cases. Dr. Tireli has also completed 30 reconstructions of aortic anomalies and many PDA ligations in extremely low birth weight infants. His work greatly supports neonatal care.

Areas of Interests

• Pediatric Genitourinary Reconstrictive Surgery
• Hypospadias
• Circumssion
• Oncological Surgery
• Congenital Abnormalities of Upper and Lower Urinary System
• Newborn Surgery
• Pediatric Abdominal Surgery

Education
 

• 1997 -  19 Mayıs University
• 1998 National Pediatric Surgery Congress Best Reearch Study
• 2001-  Kocaeli University
• 2007 – Kosova Government
• 2009 – Yeditepe University
• 2009 – Suudi Arab be Congeress Best Clinical Study

Experience
 

• FMV Işık Highschool
• İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty
• Ondokuz Mayıs University
• Zeynep Kamil Childrens Hospital
• Kocaeli University Medical Faculty
• UT Southwestern Medical Center Pediatric Urology, Dallas, USA
• Ege University Medical Center Pediatric Urology
• Yeditepe University

Prof. Dr. Selami Sozubir has authored 65 scientific publications, which have received over 11,000 reads and nearly 1,000 citations, reflecting his strong contribution to the field of pediatric surgery and urology.

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.

Dr. Fikri Kutlay is a cardiac surgeon with more than 29 years of experience. He has performed thousands of successful heart surgeries. He is known for his leadership at leading medical centers in Turkey and Germany.

Dr. Kutlay graduated from Hacettepe University School of Medicine in 1990. He completed his specialization at Istanbul University Institute of Cardiology in 1997. He has led Cardiovascular Surgery Departments at several hospitals. He is respected for his clinical skills and innovative approach.

• Specializes in congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiac surgeries.
• Expert in surgical and non-surgical treatments for congenital heart conditions.
• Trained in Turkey at esteemed institutions like Hacettepe and Istanbul University.
• Completed Pediatric Cardiology sub-specialization at Siyami Ersek Hospital.
• Renowned for managing complex pediatric cardiac cases in Turkey.
• Works alongside a skilled team for comprehensive cardiac care.
• Holds Child Health and Diseases Specialist certification.
• Minor Specialization in Pediatric Cardiology from a top Turkish hospital.
• Provides consultations for pediatric cardiac surgery patients.

Education:

• Higher Education (6 Years): Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, 2001
• Specialization in Medicine: Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, 2007
   

Experience:

• Faculty of Medicine, University of Rostock, Department of Cardiac Surgery - Research Assistant, August 2007 - August 2008
• King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, King Faisal Heart Institute - Fellow, August 2008 - October 2008
• Private Göztepe Şafak Hospital, October 2008 - April 2009
• Private Esnaf Hospital, May 2009 - March 2010
• Düzce Atatürk State Hospital, March 2010 - September 2011
• Private Anadolu Medical Center Hospital, October 2011 - June 2013
• Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, July 2013 - December 2018
• Istanbul Medipol University Faculty of Medicine, January 2019 - April 2023
• Biruni University Faculty of Medicine, April 2023 - Present
•  
• Professor: December 18, 2020
• Associate Professor: April 16, 2015-December 18, 2020
• Specialist Doctor: November 2009- April 16, 2015
• Research assistant: June 2002 - July 2007
• Faculty of Medicine: Marmara University - English (1995-2001)[Diploma Grade: 75/100] - Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Awards:

Second best oral presentation award: Didem Melis Öztaş, Mert Meriç, Metin Onur Beyaz, Mehmet Akif Onalan, Shiraslan Bakhshaliyev, Kıvılcım Sönmez, Kerem Oter, Sedat Ziyade, Beyhan Ömer, Ufuk Alpagut, Murat Uğurlucan. Investigation of the Effect of Erythropoietin on Stem Cell Levels in Cardiovascular Tissue in Diabetic Rats. 19th National Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Congress, Kyrenia, Cyprus, October 26-29, 2019.

Education and Specialization

• 1982 - 1987: Ege University Faculty of Medicine
• 1987 - 1993: İzmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital – Specialization

Experience

• 1993 - 1996: İzmir Atatürk State Hospital – Specialist Doctor
• 1996 - 1998: İnönü University Faculty of Medicine – Assistant Professor
• 1998 - 2001: İnönü University Faculty of Medicine – Associate Professor
• 2001 - 2005: Başkent University Adana Practice and Research Hospital – Associate Professor
• 2006 - 2007: Başkent University Adana Practice and Research Hospital – Professor
• 2007 - 2013: Başkent University Istanbul Practice and Research Hospital – Professor
• 2013 - 2015: Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, Istanbul – Professor
• 2015 - Present: Acıbadem Bakırköy Hospital, Istanbul – Professor

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. 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. 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.

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 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. 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.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saydam Mehmet is a general surgeon at Lokman Hekim Istanbul Hospital (2025–present). His work covers oncologic, endocrine, and metabolic surgery. He performs laparoscopic surgery, including hernia repair and anti-reflux procedures. He also treats morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sleeve gastrectomy is among his key procedures.

Education: He graduated from the Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine (1995–2001). He completed his general surgery residency there (2004–2009). He was a research fellow at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Ryder Trauma Center (2015–2016).

Experience: He worked as a general surgery specialist at GATA Haydarpaşa, Girne Military, and Mevki Military. He later served as Associate Professor of General Surgery at Dışkapı, Sancaktepe, and Medical Park Gebze. Earlier, he practiced as a general practitioner in military medical services.