Page 38 - Best Doctors in Turkey — Get an Online Consultation

Dr. Nihal Tastekin is a psychiatrist. She completed her residency in 2020 at Istanbul Erenköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital. She graduated from Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine in 2013. Her thesis examined the clinical and cognitive effects of a computer-assisted cognitive improvement method in people with opioid use disorder.

She completed her state service at Bolu İzzet Baysal Mental Health and Diseases Hospital from October 2020 to June 2022. She provided AMATEM outpatient and inpatient care from April 2021 to June 2022. She has worked at the NP Istanbul Brain Hospital AMATEM clinic since June 2022.

Professional interests include addiction, anxiety disorders, cognitive remediation, dynamic psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Dr. Halil Olgun Peker is a neurosurgeon with 19 years of experience. He specializes in scoliosis, spinal canal stenosis, neck hernia, neuro-oncology, and complex spine disorders. Dr. Peker has managed many difficult cases and has helped improve neurosurgical techniques and patient care.

He is a member of the Turkish Medical Association and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The Ministry of Health in Sirnak awarded him a Certificate of Achievement for his service. Dr. Peker often presents his work at international conferences, showing his dedication to neurosurgery.

Physician's Curriculum Vitae

Education and Specialization

1983-1989 - Firat University Faculty of Medicine

1993-1997 - DR. ZEKAI TAHIR BURAK WOMEN'S DISEASES AND BIRTH HOSPITAL, Women's Diseases and Obstetrics Specialization Training

Experience

Medicalpark Bahçelievler Hospital, Women's Diseases and Obstetrics Specialist

Kayseri Private Ibn Sina Hospital, Women's Diseases and Obstetrics Specialist

Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Diseases and Obstetrics Training and Research Hospital, Women's Diseases and Obstetrics Specialist

Courses and Certifications

(2011) 20th Annual Congress of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) 2011, London

(2009) PGS: Is it the correct answer to the right question? Fertility treatment: from the past to the future. October 2–3, 2009, Prague, Czech Republic

(2009) 8th TURKISH-GERMAN Gynecology Congress, April 29–May 3, 2009, Antalya; Ovulation Induction Course

(2005) American Hospital Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy Course

(2002) 2nd National In Vitro Fertilization Ovulation Induction Course

(1997) Dr. ZTB Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy Courses

(1995) ITEM Laparoscopy Basic Training Course

Professional Memberships

Turkish Society of Gynecology

National Perinatology Association

Turkish Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (TSRM)

Prof. Dr. Polat is a distinguished transplant surgeon and surgical oncologist specializing in complex liver transplantation and hepatobiliary procedures. Currently serving at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital in Istanbul, he is internationally recognized for his innovative surgical techniques and comprehensive approach to patient care.

Expertise:

• Pioneer in bloodless liver transplantation techniques.
• Specialist in living-donor liver transplantations.
• Expert in surgical treatment of hepatobiliary cancers.
• Vice President of the Turkish Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Society.
• Trained at prestigious institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

His advanced training in the USA combined with extensive research contributions (over 75 published medical articles) makes him one of Turkey's most sought-after specialists for complex liver surgeries and transplantations.

Dr. Saban Sec is a medical oncologist with experience at leading hospitals, including Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital, and Bahçelievler Medikalpark Hospital. He currently represents specialist physicians in the Turkish Medical Oncology Association. He is also a member of the Istanbul Medical Chamber and the Turkish Medical Oncology Association.

Dr. Sec treats breast, lung, gastrointestinal, prostate, urogenital, head and neck cancers, as well as sarcomas and rare tumors. He has published many peer-reviewed articles on cancer prognosis, treatment outcomes, and survival rates. His research includes studies with large patient groups, such as 138 patients with HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer. Dr. Sec focuses on prognostic factors and treatment responses in different cancers. He is dedicated to improving cancer care.

Dr. Ayhan Levent is an internal medicine specialist and assistant professor at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital. He has worked there since 2020. He graduated from the Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine in 2011. In 2013, he passed the Medical Specialization Examination and began his internal medicine residency at Haseki Training and Research Hospital.

He began his career at the Sultanbeyli Community Health Center. He volunteered during the 2011 Van earthquake. In 2017, he was appointed an internal medicine specialist at Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital. He completed his state service obligation in 2020.

Psikiyatri Uzmanı (2010). Gazi Üniversitesi Nörobilim doktorası (2017). 2007’de Deney Hayvanları Kullanma Sertifikası aldı. Kemirgenlerde psikiyatrik hastalık modelleri, psikofarmakoloji ve davranışsal ile immünohistokimyasal analizler üzerine çalıştı. İlgi alanları şizofreni ve diğer psikotik bozukluklar, bağımlılık ve psikofarmakolojidir.

Yerli ve yabancı dergilerde yayınları vardır. Biri ulusal, biri uluslararası olmak üzere iki kitap bölümünün yazarıdır. Bir ulusal ve bir uluslararası poster ödülü sahibidir. Yürütücüsü olduğu bir ve araştırmacısı olduğu bir TÜBİTAK‑3001 projesini tamamladı. Klinik Psikiyatri Dergisi’nin (2010‑) ve The Journal of Neurobehavioral Sciences’ın (2015‑) yayın kurulu üyesidir. TTB ve Türkiye Psikiyatri Derneği üyesidir. NPFUAM Yönetim Kurulu üyesidir. TPD Nörobilim ile Psikofarmakoloji ve Somatik Sağaltımlar Çalışma Birimleri’nde görev yapmaktadır.

Dr. Cahide Yılmaz, Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları uzmanı ve Çocuk Nörolojisi yan dal uzmanıdır. 1985-1991 arasında Atatürk Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’nde tıp eğitimi ve yüksek lisansını tamamladı. 1997-2001 yılları arasında Fatih Üniversitesi’nde Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları uzmanlığını tamamladı. 2003-2007 yılları arasında Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi’nde Çocuk Nörolojisi yan dalını tamamladı.

2010-2013’te Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’nde Çocuk Nörolojisi alanında Doç. Dr. olarak görev yaptı. 2013-2016’da Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’nde aynı unvanla çalıştı.

Experience:

1. Konya-Karapınar Kutören Health Center\ General Practitioner
2. KonyaProvincial Deputy Directorate of Health
3. KonyaProvincial Health DeputyDirectorate
4. Istanbul Fatih Tuberculosis Dispensary
5. University of Frankfurt \ Darmstadt Eye Clinic
6. Istanbul Taksim State Hospital\ Eye Diseases
7. Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine \ Chief Assistantof the Department of Ophthalmology
8. Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Eye Bank \ Founder (MedicalDirector)
9. TOD\ Chairman
10. Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa - Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine\ First Head of the Department of Ophthalmology
11. Demiroğlu-Bilim University \ Head of Ophthalmology Department
12. Florence Nightingale Hospitals \ Eye ClinicCoordinator

Specialties:

1. Vaccinating the child age group
2. Follow-up of eye eclipse in Behçet’s disease with iris and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)

Priority treatments:

1. Anterior segment surgery (cataract + IOL implantation, keratoplasty)

Special advanced health technologies:

1. Arslan closed cornea technique
2. Arslan covered cornea technique
3. Retrograde glaucoma tube implantation

Leadership and Administrative Roles (Turkish Ophthalmology Association - TOD):

• Various administrative roles at TOD including:
• President of TOD IstanbulBranch (2006-2010, 2008-2010)
• General Secretary (2015-2017)
• President of TOD (2017-2019)
• Member of TOD CentralExecutive Board (2011-2013, 2013-2015)
• Member of Executive Board of the Cornea and Ocular Surface(COS) Unit of TOD (1994-2023)
• Member of Executive Board of TOD Cataract and Refractive SurgeryUnit (2016-2018)

Research and Publications:

• Authored 57 original articlesin international peer-reviewed journals
• Authored 56 articles in national peer-reviewed journals
• Presented 178 papers at national conferences and 102 papersat international conferences
• Authored 1 book and 6 book chapters
• Developed two original surgicaltechniques and the Retrograde GlaucomaTube Implantation technique
• Served on editorial boardsof various international and national journals

Memberships and Affiliations:

• Member of American Academyof Ophthalmology (AAO) and EuropeanSociety of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
• Examiner for European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) exams representing Turkey

Awards:

• Received awards from IstanbulUniversity and TÜBİTAK

Education:

Prof. Dr. Senol Akman is an experienced orthopedic surgeon with more than 32 years in the field. He specializes in knee replacement surgery. Dr. Akman has a surgical success rate of about 90%. This highlights his skill and strong patient outcomes in orthopedic care.

Dr. Akman has made significant contributions to orthopedic research. He has published many articles in respected journals. His research focuses on advanced surgical methods and results in joint replacement and trauma. This shows his dedication to high standards and new developments in orthopedics.

Education: 

Degree                       Program                                             University                   Year

Bachelor                     Medical Sciences                               İstanbul University     1995

Master Degree           Medical Sciences                               İstanbul University     1997

Doctorate and expertise in medicine

Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology     İstanbul University     2004

Assistant professor     

İstanbul Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology İstanbul Bilim University        2009

Associate professor

İstanbul Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology İstanbul Bilim University        2011

Clinical Neurophysiology Subspecialty          

İstanbul Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology İstanbul Bilim University        2011

PhD Thesis:

INVESTIGATION OF ANTI-GANGLIOSIDE AND ANTI-GLUTAMIC ACID DECARBOXYLASE ANTIBODIES IN JUDICIAL MYOCLONIC EPILEPSY AND INVESTIGATION OF SUBCLINIC ANTERIOR HORN INVOLVEMENT BY ESTIMATE MOTOR UNIT COUNT METHOD-2002

Experience

Research Assistant 

Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University        1998-2004

Specialist

Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital, Department of Neurology       2004-2009

Assistant Professor

Istanbul Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology 2009-2011

Assoc. Prof.     

Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital Department of Neurology 

İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital 

Memberships to Scientific Organizations:

Turkish Medical Association

Turkish Neurology Association

Turkish Association for Combating Epilepsy

Turkish Clinical Neurophysiology EEG-EMG Association

Association of Child Neurology and Neuroimmunology

Awards:

Clinical Neurophysiology Congress (Antalya-2013): First prize for the poster paper titled "Continuous Video-EEG Monitoring Findings and Clinical, Laboratory and Imaging Characteristics of Patients Monitored in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit Due to Alertness Defect"

National Epilepsy Congress (Muğla-2012): "Does Semiology Tell Us the Origin of Seizures Consisting Mainly of Alteration of Consciousness?" Kenan Tükel publishing award for his publication

National Epilepsy Congress (Izmir- 2008): First prize in the field of epilepsy congress publications with the publication titled "Reduced axon number in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy demonstrated by motor unit number estimation analysis"

National Epilepsy Congress (Ankara- 2004): First prize in the field of epilepsy congress publication with the publication titled "No association of anti-gm1 and anti-gad antibodies with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy"

Turkish Clinical Neurophysiology EEG-EMG Association, 19th National Clinical Neurophysiology EEG-EMG Congress (Trabzon-2002): Congress publication award for the publication titled "Epileptic seizures in Behçet's disease".

Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Council scientific publications incentive award-2002: (With the publication titled "Epileptic Seizures In Behçet's Disease")

Turkish Neurology Association, 38th National Neurology Congress - 2002: Second prize for the oral presentation titled "Investigation of subclinical anterior horn involvement in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy with the estimated motor unit number method".

Turkish Epilepsy Association and Sanofi Pharma Scientific Research Project Support Award - 2001: "Investigation of anti-ganglioside antibodies in juvenile myoclonic epilepsies" thesis project.

Education and Specialization

• 1989 - 1995 Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine
• Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine – Specialization
• 2006 - Associate Professorship, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine

Experience

• 1995 - 1996 - Assistant Doctor, Emergency Department, Ardahan State Hospital
• 1996 - 1997 - Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine
• 1997 - 2002 - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2002 - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2003 - 2007 - Başkent University Konya Research and Application Center
• 2007 - 2012 - Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2012 - 2017 - Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2013 - 2014 - Mayo Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Rochester, MN, USA
• 2017 - 2020 - ASV Yaşam Hospital
• 2020 - 2021 - Antalya Anadolu Hospital

Education and Specialization

• 1989 - 1995 Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine
• Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine – Specialization
• 2006 - Associate Professorship, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine

Experience

• 1995 - 1996 - Assistant Doctor, Emergency Department, Ardahan State Hospital
• 1996 - 1997 - Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine
• 1997 - 2002 - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2002 - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2003 - 2007 - Başkent University Konya Research and Application Center
• 2007 - 2012 - Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2012 - 2017 - Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2013 - 2014 - Mayo Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Rochester, MN, USA
• 2017 - 2020 - ASV Yaşam Hospital
• 2020 - 2021 - Antalya Anadolu Hospital

Dr. Ozlem Cholak is a Professor and Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Demiroğlu University of Science and Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals. She is an expert in microsurgery, breast surgery, body reshaping, and facial aesthetics. Dr. Cholak graduated among the top three students at Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine. She completed her residency at Ankara Training and Research Hospital.

She has held key academic and clinical positions, including Consultant Specialist at Health Sciences University Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital. Dr. Cholak has also led humanitarian surgical missions in Jordan and Uzbekistan. She received the Second Prize at the Turkish Society of Surgery Congress and the AAEF Surgical Forum in Breast Symposium for her research and clinical presentations.

5. Academic Appointments:

Appointed as Faculty Member: 28.03.2022

Associate Professorship: ---

Full Professorship: ---

6. Supervised Theses:

Master's Theses: None listed

Doctoral Theses: None listed

7. Publications:

7.1. Articles Published in International Peer-Reviewed Journals (SCI, SSCI, Arts & Humanities):

"Urodynamic Curve Patterns May Predict Female Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Detrusor Underactivity." Urology, 2022. (Co-authored)

"Are Elevated Mitochondrial DNA Fragments in Prostatic Inflammation a Potential Biomarker for Prostate Cancer?" Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia, 2023. (Co-authored)

7.2. Articles Published in Other International Peer-Reviewed Journals:

"A Case Report of Pediatric High-Flow Priapism: The Management of a Rare Condition." European Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2021.

"Unusual Presentation of Classical Kaposi Sarcoma: Penile Involvement in an HIV Seronegative Patient." European Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2023.

7.3. Papers Presented at International Scientific Meetings:

Multiple presentations at international urology congresses. (Details available upon request.)

7.4. International Book Chapters:

Aferin U. "Approach to Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer," in Current Perspective in Urooncology, Akademiyen Kitabevi, 2022. ISBN: 978-625-8259-52-0, p.147

7.5. Articles Published in National Peer-Reviewed Journals:

"Massive Inguinoscrotal Bladder Hernia and Bladder Tumor: A Very Rare Case." J Urol Surg, 2018.

"Testicular Torsion: Experience in a Tertiary Urology Referral Centre." Journal of Urological Surgery, 2021.

"Association Between Prostate Biopsy Results and Serum Vitamin D Levels." Bulletin of Urooncology, 2021.

"Surgical Treatment in Localized Prostate Cancer." Cancer Agenda Journal, 2022.

7.6. Papers Presented at National Scientific Meetings (with Proceedings):

Participated and presented in multiple national urological congresses on topics including penile plication, robotic nephrectomy, and pediatric urological conditions. (Full list available upon request.)

Education and Specialization

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine (English) – Hacettepe University, 1997
• Master’s Degree – Department of Internal Medicine, Akdeniz University, 2004
• Ph.D. / Proficiency / Medical Specialization – Division of Gastroenterology, Akdeniz University, 2007

Experience

• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine 1998/2004
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine  2004/2007
• Urfa Training and Research Hospital 2008/2009
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology  2010/2011
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology 2011/2013
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology 2013/2017
• Medical Park Antalya Hospital, Gastroenterology Department and Organ Transplant Center

Assoc. Dr. Kanay Yararbaş is a medical geneticist with 20 years of experience. He founded Sapiens Genetics and Health Services Inc. He is also the director of the company. Dr. Yararbaş is the Head of the Medical Genetics Department at Demiroğlu Bilim University Faculty of Medicine.

He holds the Clinical Laboratory Genetics Board certificate from the European Society of Human Genetics, which he received in 2018. He became an Associate Professor in 2019. Dr. Yararbaş is known for his work in genetics education and research.

He takes part in national medical genetics organizations. He contributes to quality, accreditation, and cancer research commissions. Dr. Yararbaş is also a member of the Health Council in the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.

Education and Specialization

• Akdeniz University School of Medicine
• Akdeniz University Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery

Professional Experience

• Sept. 2011 – Present: Thoracic Surgeon, Harran University School of Medicine Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
• Oct. 2004 – Oct. 2011: Thoracic Surgeon, Yunus Emre State Hospital, Eskişehir, Turkey
• Oct. 1998 – Oct. 2004: Resident, Akdeniz University Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Antalya, Turkey