He was born in Giresun-Espiye in 1961. He received his primary and secondary education in Espiye and Trabzon. He started his medical education at Hacettepe University, Trabzon Faculty of Medicine in 1978 and graduated from Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine in 1985. He did his 2-year compulsory state service as an Emergency Physician in the Emergency Service of Çanakkale State Hospital. In 1987, he started his specialization training at Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. He completed my specialization training in 1993 and started to work as a specialist in the same department. Continuing his professional and academic life at Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, he became a professor and chaired the chair.

During and after his specialization training, he was found in various hospitals in many different countries for vocational training and development purposes. In addition to various fields of Cardiovascular Surgery, he has worked for many years in the fields of cardiovascular traumatology, multi- and interdisciplinary cardiovascular surgery, video-thoracoscopic endoscopic surgery and thoracic surgery.

In addition to his academic and surgical professional studies, he has a master's degree in the field of "Health Institutions Management" and has also held managerial positions such as Head of Cardiovascular Surgery Department at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Deputy Chief Physician, Istanbul University, Revolving Fund Management.

He is amateurishly interested in social sciences in medicine and in this sentence "Medical Humanities" and "Medical illustration".

He has more than 200 articles published in national and international journals, over 200 international scientific citations, various book chapters on different topics, over 150 scientific studies and speeches presented at various national and international meetings.

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.

The doctor is a leading cardiac surgeon at Sourasky Medical Center, specializing in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and cardiac rehabilitation. As a professor at Tel Aviv University, the doctor contributes to academic advancements in the field. With a prominent role at Ichilov Hospital, the doctor is recognized for expertise in cardiac procedures and patient recovery techniques.

Dr. Bella Koifman leads the Echocardiography Unit at Sourasky Medical Center. She specializes in early detection of heart disease through advanced cardiac ultrasound imaging.

• Heads the Echocardiography Department at one of Israel's largest hospitals
• Directed cardiac rehabilitation and women's health clinics at Sourasky
• Trained in congenital heart disease at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London
• Expert in diagnosing heart conditions in both children and adults
• Member of the local Heart Association and university cardiology teacher

The doctor is a highly experienced cardiovascular surgeon with over 20 years in the field. Specializing in complex heart surgeries, the doctor has performed more than 5,000 successful procedures. The doctor is board-certified in cardiovascular surgery and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journals, advancing the field with innovative techniques. The doctor completed a fellowship at a leading cardiovascular center and is actively involved in clinical research focused on improving surgical outcomes and patient care.

Dr. Finkelshtein Arik is a cardiologist at Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv. He performed a unique prosthetic valve implantation using a minimally invasive surgical approach. This pioneering procedure adapted a pediatric valve for an elderly patient. Dr. Arik specializes in alternatives to open-heart surgery for valve replacement.

• Completed over 100 successful catheterizations using new technology for aortic valve replacement.
• Treats complex conditions like coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and aortic valve insufficiency.
• Member of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions.
• Works at Sourasky Medical Center, ranked among the world’s top hospitals by Newsweek.

Dr. Sami Viskin is a renowned cardiologist at Sourasky Medical Center. He uses echocardiography to evaluate complex heart rhythm disorders and genetic cardiac syndromes.

• Co-authored 152 peer-reviewed articles on heart signaling and rhythm disorders
• Holds a Hirsch index of 41 measuring his high research impact
• Works at Sourasky Medical Center – ranked among the Top 10 global clinics
• Specializes in life-threatening conditions like Brugada Syndrome and Ventricular Fibrillation
• Experienced in interventional procedures including cardiac ablation and 3D mapping

Education and Specialization

• Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine
• Selçuk University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology – Specialization

Experience

• Cleveland Clinic, Invasive Cardiology Unit, Ohio, USA
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• Antalya Yaşam Hospitals  

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)

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.

Dr. Victor Alexander Krol - Chief of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine and Obesity Treatment Center at Martinus Hospital

Dr. Victor Alexander Krol is a highly qualified specialist, heading the departments of gastroenterology and internal medicine. With many years of experience and deep knowledge in his field, Dr. Krol has established himself as an outstanding expert, providing patients with comprehensive treatment and an individual approach. He actively uses the latest methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Dr. Krol is also the director of the certified Obesity Treatment Center at Martinus Hospital, which provides surgical and endoscopic treatments for obesity. The center uses advanced technology to diagnose and treat obesity (adiposis), including methods such as bariatric surgery, endoscopic weight loss, and specialized programs for patients with different stages of obesity. The center is certified to high standards and has excellent results in the treatment of this serious disease.

The Gastroenterology Department, headed by Dr. Krol, diagnoses and treats diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The doctors of the department use a wide range of methods, including endoscopic procedures, ultrasound, and other modern diagnostic technologies.

The Department of Internal Medicine covers a wide range of diseases, including cardiology, diabetology, infectology, and therapy of respiratory and renal diseases. Dr. Krol and his team provide a comprehensive approach to treatment using the most advanced methods of medicine.

Thanks to his high professionalism and humane approach to each patient, Dr. Krol deservedly enjoys the respect of colleagues and patients.

Experiences

Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine 2007-2013

Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine 2014-2022

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cardiology Institute 2022

Schools / Trainings

Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, L11an1 2001-2007

Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Specialization 2007-2013

Aortic Dilation (Aneurysm)

Heart Valve Problems

Aortic Dissection

Coronary Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Occlusion (Carotid Stenosis)

Varicose Veins

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Aortic Insufficiency

Aortic Valve Diseases

Mitral Insufficiency

Mitral Valve Problem

Mitral Stenosis

Varicose Ulcer

Diabetic Foot

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Raynaud's Disease

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Ischemic Heart Disease

Heart Pain

Leg Artery Occlusion

Capillary Rupture

Heart Failure

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic Arch Aneurysm

Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Carotid

In 2007, I graduated from Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine and received the title of “Medical Doctor”. In the same year, as a result of the TUS exam I took, I started my specialization training at Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery.

During my specialization training, in 2010, I worked as a guest doctor at “Lenox Hill Hospital, Aortic Wellness Center” in New York, USA, on aortic valve-preserving surgery, aortic root surgery, aortic arch surgery, thoracoabdominal aortic surgery and robotic heart surgery.

In 2013, I worked as a “fellow” at the “Landeskrankenhaus Salzburg, Paracelsus Universitätsklinik für Gefäßchirurgie und endovaskuläre Chirurgie” clinic in Salzburg, Austria, and conducted studies on endovascular and advanced vascular surgery techniques.

In 2013, I worked as a visiting physician at the “Vita-Salute University, Scientific Institute, Ospedale San Raffaele, dipartimento di chirurgia vascolare ed endovascolare” clinic in Milan, Italy, on endovascular techniques, advanced vascular techniques and surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

In 2013, I completed my assistant training and earned the title of “Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist”.

As of 2014, I started working as a “Specialist Doctor” at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University.

In 2016, I received the title of “Assistant Professor Doctor”. In the same year, I received the “Certificate of Proficiency” issued by the “Turkish Cardiovascular Surgery Qualification Board”.

In 2017, I worked as a visiting doctor for 3 months at the “Landeskrankenhaus Nürnberg, Paracelsus Universitätsklinik für Gefäßchirurgie und endovaskuläre Chirurgie” clinic in Nuremberg, Germany, on advanced endovascular (FEVAR, BEVAR, CHEVAR, EVAR, TEVAR) techniques in aortic diseases.

I received the title of “Associate Professor” in 2019. I am fluent in English.

I have been working at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cardiology Institute, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery since 2022

Prof. Cengiz KÖKSAL, M.D.

Cardiovascular Surgery

Areas of Expertise

• Minimally invasive mitral valve repair and replacement
• Off-pump (beating heart) mitral valve surgery
• Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement
• Minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery
• Carotid (neck artery) surgery
• Aesthetic varicose vein surgery
• Non-surgical treatment of arterial/venous aneurysms in the legs

Education

• Primary Education – Afyon, Turkey
• Secondary & High School – Darüşşafaka High School, Graduated as Top of Class
• M.D., Doctor of Medicine – Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, 1992
• Specialization in Cardiovascular Surgery – Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University (1992–1998)

Career

• Cardiovascular Surgeon – Süreyyapaşa Chest, Heart and Vascular Diseases Hospital (2001–2007)
  • Contributed to the foundation of the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic
  • Achieved Associate Professor title in 2005
• Senior Surgeon – Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital (2007 onward)
  • Appointed Deputy Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery in 2009
  • Clinical Educator from 2011 to 2017
  • Performed over 2,000 open-heart and vascular surgeries
  • Education Supervisor of the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic (2016–2017)
• Professor – Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Medicine (2017–2024)
  • Head of Cardiovascular Surgery Department
• Current Position – Medipol University, Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital (Since July 2024)

International Training and Grants

• Leonardo da Vinci EU Scholarship Winner, Portugal (2012)
• Advanced trainings in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (without sternotomy or heart-lung machine) conducted in:
  • Israel, Portugal, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany (2012–2016)

Achievements & Honors

• "Physician of the Year", Ibn Sina 1000th Year Medical Awards (2018)
• Only physician in Turkey authorized to educate and practice off-pump mitral valve repair
• Organizer of annual Mitral Valve Repair Workshops with national and international participation
• President, National Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Association (2016–2018)
• Editor, the most comprehensive vascular surgery textbook published in Turkish

Academic Contributions

• 80+ peer-reviewed international scientific articles
• 75+ national publications
• Authored 4 book chapters

Delivered 

200+ presentations

 in national and international conferences (since 2011)

Dr. Yigit Changa is an Associate Professor of Cardiology. He received advanced training at Dr. Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital. He became a cardiology specialist in 2016 and completed his residency in 2010. Dr. Changa is a member of the Turkish Society of Cardiology and the Turkish Medical Association.

He has worked at leading hospitals, including Ataşehir and Kadıköy Florence Nightingale Hospitals. Dr. Changa speaks English fluently. He has a solid academic and clinical background in cardiology.

Education

• 2002 - 2008, Ege University, Bachelor's Degree, Medical Doctor
• 2009 - 2013, Istanbul Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Specialization in Cardiology
• 2013 - 2018, Bezm-i Âlem Vakif University, Assistant Professor
• 2018 – 2021, Bezm-i Âlem Vakif University, Associate Professor

Experience

• 2009 - 2013, Istanbul Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital
• 2013, Istanbul Esenler Basaksehir State Hospital
• 2014, Bursa Mustafakemalpasa State Hospital
• 2013 – 2014, Ministry of Health Mehmet Akif Ersoy Hospital
• 2014 – 2016, Mustafakemalpasa State Hospital, Bursa
• 2016 – 2024, Bezm-i Âlem Vakif University
• 2024 – Present, Medipol Acibadem Hospital

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

• Field: Faculty of Medicine
• University: Gazi University
• Years: 2009-2015

PhD/Medical Specialty

• Field: Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology Department
• University: Mustafa Kemal University
• Years: 2016-2020

Experience:

General Practitioner

• Institution: Kırıkhan Community Health Center
• Years: 2015-2016

Research Assistant Doctor

• Institution: Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine Cardiology Department
• Years: 2016-2020

Specialist Doctor

• Institution: Hatay Training and Research Hospital
• Years: 2020-2022

Doctor Academic Staff

• Institution: Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine Cardiology Department
• Years: 2022-2024
•  

Education and Career

2019 – today 

İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital

Cardiovascular Surgery

2017 - 2018

Bayrampaşa Kolan Hospital

Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery

2015 - 2017

GOP Medical Park

Cardiovascular Surgery

2013

University of Hannover-Freiburg

Cardiovascular Surgery

2012 - 2014

Koşuyolu Heart Training and Research Hospital

Heart Transplantation

2012

Toronto General Hospital

Cardiovascular Surgery

1996 - 2005

Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine

Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist, Associate Professor, Professor

1996 - 2015

Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine

Specialist, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor

1995 - 1996

GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital (Military Service)

1988 - 1994

Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine

Cardiovascular Surgery Residency 

Education & Expertise

• 2001 | Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine – Medical Education
• 2001 to 2005 | Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology – Research Assistant
• 2010 to 2018 | Kartal Koşuyolu Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital – Cardiology Specialist, Chief Assistant
• 2014 | Associate Professorship, Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital

Professional Experience

• 2001 to 2005 | Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology – Research Assistant
• 2006 to 2007 | Kayseri Military Hospital – Cardiologist
• 2007 to 2010 | Kartal Yavuz Selim State Hospital – Cardiologist
• 2010 to 2018 | Kartal Koşuyolu Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital – Cardiologist, Chief Assistant

Professional Memberships

• -Istanbul Medical Chamber
• -Turkish Cardiology Association
• -Chronic Total Occlusion Club

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