Doctors in Turkey — Page 31

Dr. Sezer Saglam is a medical oncologist at Gayrettepe Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul. He specializes in treating gastrointestinal and breast cancers. His research on rectal cancer timing has influenced global treatment protocols. Dr. Saglam develops personalized therapy plans using targeted medicine and precision techniques.

• Nominated for the International Best Researcher Award for work on liver cancer.
• Leads clinical trials focused on targeted therapies and precision oncology.
• Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
• Certified by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).

Dr. Bulent Yildirim is a neurology specialist at Memorial Antalya Hospital (2025–present). He previously served on the neurology faculty at Akdeniz University (1983–2010).

M.D., Hacettepe University. Neurology residency (1974–1978). Anatomy residency (1979–1983). Associate Professor (1984). Professor (1991). Member of the Turkish Neurological Society, the Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society, and the European Neurological Society.

Edited six medical books. Wrote book chapters and many publications. National coordinator for one and center coordinator for three international multicenter stroke studies. Received first- and second-place awards at national and international congresses. Invited speaker on stroke, hypertension, dementia, cerebral aging, Parkinson’s disease, headache, multiple sclerosis, and neuroanatomy.

Dr. Melih Uc is a neurosurgeon at Valued Med Hub Hospitals in Istanbul. He completed specialized neurosurgery training at the University of Wisconsin in the USA. Dr. Uc focuses on treating complex brain and spinal conditions. He published research on minimally invasive approaches for spinal pars repair.

• Treats brain aneurysms, tumors, and cerebral hemorrhages.
• Performs specialized procedures like discectomy, laminectomy, and tumor removal.
• Manages pediatric and adult conditions including spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
• Works at a clinic holding an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate.

Dr. Ahmet Turan Aydin is a Professor of Orthopedics and Traumatology. He has led the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Memorial Antalya Hospital since 2010. He previously headed the same department at Akdeniz University from 1995 to 1997. He has served at the Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine as a specialist from 1983 to 1995 and from 1997 to the present. He earned his M.D. and completed his residency at Ege University. He became an Associate Professor in 1985 and a Professor in 1995.

Advanced training: Rizzoli Institute, Bologna (1980–1981, 1991, 2008); Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford (1988); Krankenhaus für Sportverletzte, Germany (1989). Professional memberships: Turkish Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology; Turkish Cancer Research and Control Association; European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO); SICOT; Turkish Society of Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy and Knee Surgery (TUSYAD); Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association (APOA).

The doctor is a highly experienced specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism with over two decades of clinical practice. Following a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at Akdeniz University, the doctor has held key positions at several prominent medical institutions in Türkiye, including Memorial Antalya Hospital. The doctor's clinical expertise encompasses the management of complex metabolic disorders, thyroid conditions, and diabetes.

An active researcher, the doctor has contributed extensively to international peer-reviewed journals on topics such as insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, and obesity. The doctor has received recognition for scientific excellence, including a Best Poster Presentation Award, and has delivered over 30 presentations at major medical congresses.

Dr. Duygu Tez is an ophthalmologist at Adem and Havva Medical Center in Istanbul. She specializes in cataract surgery, LASIK, and oculoplastic procedures. Dr. Tez completed training at New York University Mount Sinai Hospital. She holds a master's degree in healthcare management from Beykent University.

• Performs specialized treatments for glaucoma, strabismus, and retinal diseases.
• Maintains membership in the Turkish Ophthalmology Association.
• Published research on astigmatism and eyelid reconstruction in international medical journals.
• Completed retinal and corneal surgical training at Gülhane Military Medical Academy.

Dr. Mesut Pekmez is a transplant surgeon at Lokman Hekim University Ankara Hospital. He specializes in kidney and liver transplants alongside complex gastrointestinal tract surgeries. Dr. Pekmez trained at Baskent University, a center known for pioneering transplantation in Turkey.

• Performs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and endocrine surgery for thyroid diseases.
• Treats oncologic conditions, including breast and colorectal cancers.
• Member of the Ankara Surgical Association and Ankara Breast Diseases Society.
• Works at an ISO-certified university hospital with a government health tourism authorization.

Dr. Necdet Uskent is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul. He was part of the pioneering team that performed Turkey's first bone marrow transplant. Dr. Uskent holds the European Medical Oncology Certificate and focuses on breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers. He works at a facility affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine.

• Founder of the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG).
• A founding member of the Turkish Society of Medical Oncology.
• Served as a visiting lecturer at Royal Free and University College Hospital in London.
• Treats complex hematological conditions including lymphomas and myeloma.

Dr. Yunus Colakoglu is a urology specialist at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital in Istanbul. He holds the European Board of Urology Certification (FEBU). Dr. Colakoglu focuses on robotic surgery, kidney transplantation, and urodynamics. He treats patients at a JCI-accredited facility known for its environmental design standards.

• Published over 20 articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals.
• Delivered more than 50 scientific presentations at medical congresses.
• Maintains membership in the European Association of Urology and the Endourology Society.
• Certified in robotic kidney transplantation and genitourinary system prostheses surgery.

Dr. Emre Altekin is a cardiology specialist at Memorial Antalya Hospital (2025–present). He has broad interventional experience in cardiovascular, valvular, and structural heart disease. He has been the primary operator in many complex procedures. He also serves as an instructor at centers in Türkiye and abroad.

Academic credentials: Professor of Cardiology, Akdeniz University (2020). Associate Professor (2015). Assistant Professor (2011–2015). M.D. (1999) and cardiology residency (2000–2005), Akdeniz University.

Previous roles: Private OFM Antalya Hospital (cardiology specialist, 2023–2025). Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine (cardiology specialist, 2011–2016). An-Deva Hayat Heart Hospital (2009–2011). Burdur State Hospital (physician, 2006–2008). Memberships: Turkish Medical Association. Turkish Society of Cardiology.

The doctor is a distinguished Professor of Neurology with extensive clinical and administrative experience. Currently practicing at Memorial Antalya Hospital, the doctor has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the Head of the Department of Neurology at Antalya Training and Research Hospital for a decade. The doctor holds a subspecialty certification in Clinical Neurophysiology and has completed advanced training in epilepsy, including specialized expertise in long-term video-EEG monitoring and preoperative evaluation for epilepsy surgery.

With a career spanning over two decades, the doctor has contributed significantly to neurological education and research, maintaining active memberships in the Turkish Neurological Society and the Turkish Epilepsy Society.

The doctor is an experienced General Surgery Specialist currently practicing at Memorial Antalya Hospital. With a career spanning several prominent medical institutions in Türkiye, including extensive work at training and research hospitals, the doctor has developed a robust clinical background in general surgical procedures.

The doctor holds the academic rank of Associate Professor and maintains a strong commitment to professional development, evidenced by specialized training in laparoscopic, robotic, and oncoplastic breast surgery. Active in the medical community, the doctor is a member of the Turkish Surgical Association and the Ankara Breast Diseases Association, regularly participating in national and international congresses to stay at the forefront of surgical advancements.