Page 24 - Best Doctors in the World

Dr. Nuri Delikara is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist at Kadıköy Florence Nightingale Hospital (2011–present). He focuses on assisted reproductive therapy.

He was an assisted reproductive therapy specialist at Ferticenter Istanbul IVF Center (2005–2011). Earlier, he served as Chief Assistant at Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital (1996–2005). He completed his obstetrics and gynecology specialization at the same hospital (1991–1996).

Education: Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine (1983–1991); Public Health Master’s Program, Marmara University (2000); Assisted Reproductive Therapy Certificate Program, Hacettepe University (2000). Memberships: Turkish Gynecology Association; Turkish Reproductive Health and Infertility Association; Association of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery; American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM); European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

Associate Professor Dr. Yusuf AÇIKGÖZ
Specialization: Medical Oncology

Education:

• 2004-2011: İnönü University Faculty of Medicine
• 2011-2016: Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Internal Medicine
• 2017-2022: Health Sciences University, Medical Oncology

Professional Experience:

• 2016-2017: Bingöl City Hospital, Internal Medicine
• 2021-2022: Health Sciences University, Medical Oncology
• 2022-2023: Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital, Medical Oncology
• 2023-2024: Ohio State University, Medical Oncology
• 2024-Present: Lokman Hekim University, Medical Oncology, Ankara Hospital

Clinical Trials, Courses, Certifications:

Clinical Trials:

• 2017-2021: Phase III, CheckMate-649 Study (Assistant Investigator)
• 2022-Present: Phase III, Fortitude-101 Study (Assistant Investigator)

Courses:

• 2018: Medicres Basic and Advanced Biostatistics Training Program (ongoing), Istanbul-Vienna
• 2019: Immuno-Oncology Education Course, March 1-2, 2019, Vienna, Central European Cooperative Oncology Group (CECOG)
• 2018: Good Clinical Practice Certification, April 7-8, 2018, Ankara, Health Sciences University
• 2017: Basic Oncology Training Program, November 25-26, 2017, Adana, Clinical Oncology Society
• 2016: Basic Ultrasonography Course (10 hours theoretical + 10 hours practical), September 24-25, 2016, Ankara, Turkish Emergency Medicine Association

Certifications:

• Ongoing: ECFMG Certification
• 2024: CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (The Ohio State University)
• 2024: CITI IACUC-Laboratory Animal Research (The Ohio State University)
• 2024: CITI Human Subjects Protection (The Ohio State University)
• 2024: CITI Good Clinical Practice (The Ohio State University)
• 2023: Occupational English Test (OET)
• 2019: International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Total Score: 6.5, May 26, 2019, Ankara, British Council
• 2017: USMLE Step 2 CK Exam; Score: 244, February 7, 2017
• 2016: USMLE Step 1 Exam; Score: 215, August 25, 2016

Memberships:

• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) - 2022
• Turkish Society of Medical Oncology - 2020

Prof. Dr. Vakkas Korkmaz is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology. Professor, Lokman Hekim University Ankara Hospital (2025–present). Professor, Ankara Etlik City Hospital (2024–2025). Associate Professor, Ankara Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Women’s Health Training and Research Hospital (2020–2022). Specialist, University of Health Sciences (2014–2019). Education: MD, Akdeniz University (2002–2009). Medical specialty (2009–2014) and subspecialty (2016–2019), University of Health Sciences.

Research mentorship: Five completed theses (2016–2024) on endometrial cancer, cervical elastography, leiomyoma–fQRS, and iodine deficiency–postmenopausal osteoporosis. Memberships: European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (2017). Turkish Gynecologic Oncology Society (2020). Turkish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2015–2017). Awards: Turkish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2015). Perinatal Medicine Foundation (2015).

After he became a neurologist, he did 3,5 years of obligatory service for the gouvernment, first 1,5 years in military (Iskenderun Navy Hospital) and two more years in Diyarbakır Social Security Hospital. He returned to Istanbul University in 1989. He worked in the Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota U.S.A. during 1990 - 1991 on Demantia and Behavioural neurology subjects.

He became an Associate Professor in 1994 and continued working in Istanbul University until 1999. Between 1999 - 2002, he worked at the Kadir Has University and also Florence Nightingale Hospital.

He served in the Faculty executive committee of Kadir Has University during 1999 - 2000 and became a professor in 2000. Following that, worked in the Kozyatağı Hospital between 2004 - 2013.  

Since 2013 he has been working in Florence Nightingale Hospital.  

 SPECIALITIES

Demantia

Epilepsy

Headache

 WORK EXPERIENCE

Military service in Navy Hospital, 1985 - 1986

Obligatory state service in Diyarbakır S.S.K Hospital, 1986 - 1989

Kozyatağı Acıbadem Hospital 2004 - 2013

Published journal articles indexed by SCI, SSCI, and AHCI I. Investigation of the effectiveness of teledermatology in the diagnosis of skin lesions in pediatric patients TaslidereN.,KucukO.S. Revista daAssociacaoMedicaBrasileira (1992),vol.69,no.10,2023 (SCI-Expanded) I . Can a Correct Diagnosis Be Established Using the TeledermatologyMethod? TAŞLIDEREN.,SUKÜÇÜKÖ. ACTADERMATOVENEROLOGICACROATICA,vol.30,no.1,pp.32-39,2022 (SCI-Expanded) I I. Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome induced by COVID-19: A case report TaşlıdereB.,MehmetajL.,ÖzcanA.B.,GülenB.,TaşlıdereN. AmericanJournalofEmergencyMedicine,vol.41,2021 (SCI-Expanded) IV. Which dermatology patients attend to Dermatology Outpatient Clinics during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Turkey and what happened to them? CENGİZ F.P.,EMİROĞLUN.,BAHALIA.G.,DİZMAND.,TAŞLIDEREN.,AkarslanT.C.,GunesB.,MERTÖ.,KÜÇÜKÖ.S., ONSUNN. DERMATOLOGICTHERAPY,vol.33,no.4,2020 (SCI-Expanded)

Dr. Babek Yunuszade is a general dentist with eight years of clinical experience. He practices at BY Dental Clinic in Şişli, Istanbul. He provides fixed and removable prosthetics, prosthetic rehabilitation after periodontal therapy, laminate veneer and composite restorations, endodontics, and implant surgery. Implant work includes bone-level placement, flap elevation, guided healing, and simple bone augmentation. He restores with implant-supported crowns and bridges, and locator- or bar-retained dentures.

He earned his DDS from Azerbaijan Medical University in 2016. He completed equivalency training at Kocaeli University in 2018–2019. His recent continuing education includes soft-tissue surgery (2025), implant-supported prosthetics, and occlusion/TMJ. He attended the 2023 International Dentistry Congress. In 2021, he completed courses in implantology, prostheses, porcelain laminate, and advanced orthodontics. He is a member of the Turkish Dental Association. He speaks English and Russian.

Dr. Mustafa Yavuz Samanci is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Medipol Acıbadem District Hospital in Istanbul. He has specialized training in stereotactic, functional, and pediatric neurosurgery. Dr. Samanci completed a clinical fellowship in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. He has also finished advanced programs in spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation. He received several TÜBİTAK postdoctoral research fellowships and the Prof. Dr. Hakan Caner Overseas Education Scholarship from the Turkish Neurosurgical Society.

Dr. Samanci is an active member of several national and international neurosurgical societies. These include the Turkish Neurosurgical Society, the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and the European Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. He has served on editorial boards and scientific committees. His work reflects significant contributions to academic neurosurgery and research.

Halil Erdiş graduated from Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine in 1998 and then completed his specialization training in the Department of General Surgery at Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine in 2007.

As for his work experience, he worked in various institutions in the field of general surgery. He worked as a Clinical Fellow at Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital between 2011-2012.

He continued his academic career as an Assistant Professor at Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine from 2009 to 2013.

He received the Clinical Research and Good Clinical Practices Education Certificate in 2017 in the field of education. During this period, he specialized in organ transplantation and directed his career in the field of general surgery.

Halil Erdiş's expertise in general surgery and especially organ transplantation has an important place in his career.

Clinical areas of interest:

You can list your clinical areas of interest as items:

Liver diseases

 Bile ducts gallbladder diseases

 Hepatobiliary surgery

 Liver transplantation

 Kidney transplantation

Pancreas transplantation

 Pancreatic diseases

Laparoscopic surgery

 Oncological surgery

Personal information

Title: Professor Doctor

Branch: Pulmonary Diseases

Work History:

1  Ilıca Health Center \ Health Center Physician (Compulsory Service)

2   Florence Nightingale Hospital

3   Onze Lieve Vrouw Clinic (OLV) Aalst Belgium

4   Istanbul Bilim University (Assistant Professor)

5   Florence Nightingale Hospital (Associate Professor)

6   Istanbul Bilim University (Professor)

Medical Specialties and Subspecialties:

1   Minimally invasive heart surgery

2   Aortic surgery

3   Cover Repairs

4   Arrhythmia Surgery

Special advanced health technologies:

1   Robotic heart surgery (Da Vinci Robotic System)

2   Port Access Surgery

Education

1991 - Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine

1998 - Istanbul University Cardiology Institute (Specialization)

Assoc. Prof. Utkan Boran is a general surgeon. He focuses on oncologic, metabolic, endocrine, and laparoscopic surgery, including laparoscopic hernia repair, anti‑reflux procedures, surgery for morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes, and sleeve gastrectomy.

Education: Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine (1995–2001). General surgery training (2004–2009). Research Fellow at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Ryder Trauma Center (2015–2016). Roles: General Surgery Specialist at GATA Haydarpaşa, Kyrenia, and Mevki Military Hospitals (2004–2016). Associate Professor of General Surgery at Dışkapı (2016–2022), Sancaktepe (2022–2024), and Medical Park Gebze (2024–2025). Currently at Lokman Hekim | Istanbul Hospital (2025–).

Dr. Digdem Begendi is an experienced ophthalmologist. She specializes in cataract surgery with IOL replacement, LASIK, and strabismus treatment. She is skilled in advanced procedures, including intraLase laser eye surgery, laser iridotomy, and femtosecond laser techniques.

Dr. Begendi has published several articles in national and international journals. Her work shows a strong commitment to research and clinical care. She is a member of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association. She completed her medical degree at Istanbul Bilim University and her specialization at Akdeniz University.

He graduated from Istanbul Pertevniyal High School in 1997 and successfully graduated from Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 2003 and received the title of Doctor of Medicine. In the same year, he started his assistant training in Istanbul Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, and received the title of specialist doctor in 2009. He did his compulsory service in Bayburt state hospital between 2009-2011 and his military service in Balıkesir Military Hospital between 2011-2012. He worked at Istanbul Private Safa Hospital between 2012-2018 . received the title of Associate Professor during his duty. Having a special interest in rhinoplasty, 

Education and Expertise

2003 - At Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine

2003 - 2009 - Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital

Experience

2009 - 2011 - Bayburt State Hospital

2013 - Istanbul Private Safa Hospital

Professional Memberships

Turkish Ear Nose Throat Foundation

Turkish Medical Association

Facial Plastic Surgery Association

Turkish ENT and Surgery Association

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:

Dr. Elif Afacan Yildirim is a medical specialist in rheumatologic dermatology. She co-authored a chapter in the book "Rheumatologic Dermatology," edited by Kenan Aydoğan.

Her work highlights advanced diagnostic methods such as histopathology, capillaroscopy, and fibroscan. These tools help in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of rheumatologic skin diseases. Dr. Yildirim’s knowledge supports better care in this field.

Duties:

1985 – 1986 Istanbul University Cardiology Institute, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Practitioner

1986 – 1992, Istanbul University Cardiology Institute, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Assistant Professor

1993-2012 Vehbi Koç Vakfı Amerikan Hastanesi (Hospital), Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Specialist Physician

2012-2017 İstanbul Medipol University, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Assistant Professor

2017 – 2019 İstinye University LIV Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Assoc. Prof.

2019 – 2024, Freelance Consultant Physician

2024 – Today, Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Assoc. Prof.

Memberships in Scientific Organizations:

• Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery
• Turkish Society of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
• Turkish Society of Cardiology