Best Ulcerative Colitis Doctors in Turkey for Australians

Associate Professor Tarik Akar is a dual-qualified gastroenterologist and gastrointestinal surgeon who specializes in managing chronic inflammatory bowel conditions.

• Awarded Best Verbal Presentation at the International Gastrointestinal System Cancers Congress
• Performs endoscopic mucosal resection to treat early-stage colon lesions without major surgery
• Published 19 international research papers on complex digestive system disorders
• Member of the medical faculty at Istanbul University, a premier training institution
• Focuses on interventional endoscopy to manage bowel complications and maintain remission

Professor Engin Tutar is a highly regarded specialist who previously headed the paediatric gastroenterology department at Marmara University – a top-tier medical faculty.

• Treats paediatric inflammatory bowel disease with diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy
• Addresses nutritional disorders and growth delays often caused by chronic bowel issues
• Performs lower gastrointestinal endoscopy for precise monitoring of the colon
• Expertise in managed care for children with chronic diarrhoea and abdominal pain
• Extensive academic history with over 50 presentations at international medical congresses

Professor Cemalettin Aydin is a highly trained specialist who holds a dual qualification in general surgery and gastroenterology surgery.

• Completed a prestigious fellowship in gastroenterology surgery at Turkiye High Specialisation Hospital
• Professor of General Surgery – teaches next-generation surgeons at Inonu University
• Specialises in surgical management of chronic bowel conditions and complex digestive tract disorders
• Former Associate Professor with extensive academic expertise in surgical outcomes

Education and Academic Titles

• Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine – Medical Degree, 1992
• Başkent University Faculty of Medicine – General Surgery Residency, 1995
• Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital – General Surgery Residency, 2000
• Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine – Assistant Professor of General Surgery, 2007
• Interuniversity Council – Associate Professorship, 2018
• Istanbul Aydın University – Professorship, 2023
• Second Bachelor’s Degree: Anadolu University – Public Administration, 2008
• Master’s Degree: Akdeniz University – Health Law, 2023

Associate Professor Mete Akin is a senior gastroenterologist who specialised at Akdeniz University – one of Turkey's leading medical research hubs.

• Specialises in managing complex gastrointestinal cases as a dedicated subspecialist
• Previously served as Associate Professor at Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine
• Trained internal medicine specialists and gastroenterologists during his academic tenure
• Focuses on pharmacological management and inflammatory bowel disease protocols

Education and Specialization

• Ankara University Faculty of Medicine – Medical Education
• Ankara University Faculty of Medicine – General Surgery Specialization
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine – Associate Professorship
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine – Professorship

Professional Memberships
• Turkish Medical Association
• Mediterranean Health Foundation
• Akdeniz University Development and Health Foundation
• Transplantation Organizations Coordination Association
• National Surgical Association

Professor Samet Yardimci is a dually qualified specialist in gastroenterology and surgery at VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital. He holds a prestigious fellowship in gastroenterology surgery from the Türkiye Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Centre.

• Specialises in laparoscopic surgery – uses small incisions to reduce pain and hospital stays
• Expert in managing inflammatory bowel diseases and complex colorectal cases
• Held a clinical observership at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas
• Recipient of the Best Young Researcher Award from the Congress of Transplantation
• Member of the Turkish Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Association

Professor Bilal Ergul is a leading gastroenterologist at Lokman Hekim University who has authored over 100 academic publications on complex digestive conditions.

• Specialises in therapeutic endoscopy to treat inflammatory bowel diseases without traditional open surgery
• Uses Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) to manage severe gastrointestinal motility issues
• Focuses on innovative treatment protocols to improve long-term outcomes for chronic digestive illnesses
• Academic leader at Lokman Hekim University Hospital – a major Turkish medical training centre

Dr. Yahya Özel is a highly experienced general surgeon with expertise in bariatric surgery, hepatobiliary diseases, abdominal hernias, endocrine surgery, and oncological surgery. He completed his medical education at Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1990 and pursued his specialization in General Surgery at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital between 2001 and 2006. His commitment to advanced surgical techniques led him to further training at Tokyo University Hospital, Japan, in the Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Artificial Organ Division under renowned experts M. Makuuchi and N. Kokudo.

Throughout his career, Dr. Özel has worked at prestigious institutions, including Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, and Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital. His extensive experience includes roles in ERCP and surgical endoscopy, as well as advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. In addition to his clinical practice, he has served as an academic faculty member at Doğuş University, contributing to the education and training of future medical professionals.

Dr. Özel holds several certifications in surgical endoscopy, including the Turkish Surgical Proficiency Certificate. His dedication to minimally invasive surgical techniques, obesity treatment, and hepatobiliary surgery has made him a sought-after specialist in his field. With a career spanning over three decades, he continues to provide high-quality, patient-centered surgical care, ensuring the best outcomes through his expertise and innovative approach.

Associate Professor Murat Sarikaya is a specialist gastroenterologist at Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital with a strong academic background in managing inflammatory bowel diseases.

• Specialises in differentiating Crohn's disease from other complex abdominal conditions
• Expert in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and pharyngeal anaesthesia protocols
• Extensive research published in the American Surgeon and European Journal of Gastroenterology
• Highly trained at Ankara Training and Research Hospital in clinical gastroenterology

Professor Omer Necip Aytug is a senior gastroenterologist at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental with over three decades of academic and clinical leadership.

• Specialises in managing ulcerative colitis and complex inflammatory bowel disorders
• Completed an intensive gastroenterology fellowship at Marmara University School of Medicine
• Published extensive research and book chapters on gastrointestinal health and internal medicine
• Held senior professorships at several prestigious Turkish medical universities
• Recognised for managing chronic cases using evidence-based medical protocols

Dr. Zulfikar Polat is a gastroenterology and internal medicine specialist. He trained at Ankara Gülhane Military Medical Academy, where he completed his specialty and became an Associate Professor. He is a Professor at İstanbul Aydın University. His postgraduate experience includes Ankara Gülhane Military Medical Academy and İstanbul Aydın University. He also worked at Anadolu Medical Center, affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine (USA).

Clinical focus includes gastroenterology, hepato-pancreatology, inflammatory intestinal diseases, and diagnostic and interventional endoscopic procedures. Professional memberships include the Turkish Gastroenterology Association (TGD), Turkish Endoscopy Society, TÜRK EUS, ESGE, EASL, and AASLD. He has 45 national and international publications.

Associate Professor Yilmaz Bilgic is a specialist gastroenterologist at Medipol Acibadem District Hospital with high-level training in therapeutic endoscopy from Hamburg and South Korea.

• Specialises in managing chronic inflammation of the digestive tract
• Trained in advanced endoscopy at Anam Hospital in South Korea
• Completed specialised ERCP training at the Olympus Training Centre in Hamburg
• Former Assistant Chief Physician at Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Centre
• Active clinical researcher with a focus on liver and intestinal recovery

Associate Professor Ozlem Ozer Chakir is a highly regarded gastroenterologist at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital who was honoured as a Rising Star at the 10th Digestive Disease Symposium.

• Holds a specialised certificate in endoscopic techniques from Bundang CHA Hospital in South Korea
• Focuses on endoscopic monitoring to assess bowel lining health and disease activity
• Published over 30 academic papers and book chapters on gastrointestinal health
• Active member of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
• Double-specialised in pathology and internal medicine for more accurate diagnostic insights

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Education

Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine (1991)

KTÜ Faculty of Medicine Farabi Hospital (Specialization.1998)

Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine (Laparoscopic Surgery Training, 2002)

Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine (Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery Training, 2006)

Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine (General Surgery Clinic Advance Laparoscopic Surgery, Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery, Morbid Obesity and Oncological Cancer Surgery Training, 2010i)

Dr Seymur Aslanov is a dual-trained gastroenterologist at Medicalpoint International Hospital specialising in inflammatory bowel diseases. He completed his sub-specialisation at Ege University, a leading Turkish medical hub.

• Specialises in managing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cases
• Expert in argon plasma coagulation – uses ionised gas to treat digestive tract bleeding
• Performs ERCP to diagnose and treat issues in the bile and pancreatic ducts
• Highly skilled in colonoscopy and endoscopic polypectomy for bowel monitoring
• Member of the Izmir Medical Chamber

Associate Professor Ferit Çelik is a gastroenterology specialist at Medicalpoint International University Hospital who focuses on managing complex digestive system disorders.

• Specialises in colonoscopy for investigating and monitoring inflammation within the large intestine
• Performs endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) – a procedure to remove abnormal tissue without the need for open surgery
• Member of the Turkish Gastroenterology Association and the ERCP working group
• Trained at Ege University – one of the region's most reputable medical institutions

Professor Benal Buyukgebiz is a leading specialist in paediatric gastroenterology who previously chaired the Department of Paediatrics at Yeditepe University School of Medicine.

• Specialises in managing ulcerative colitis and nutritional needs in children and adolescents
• Completed sub-speciality training in paediatric gastroenterology at Dokuz Eylül University
• Former Professor of Paediatrics at two of Turkey's major medical universities
• Published specialist research on the interaction between digestive health and bacterial agents
• Practises at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital within a multidisciplinary paediatric team

Professor Hamdi Levent Doganay is a highly decorated gastroenterologist at VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital who specialises in managing chronic bowel inflammation. He was awarded for his research into genetic variants in ulcerative colitis patients at the XV Euroasian Congress of Gastroenterology and Surgery.

• Served as Clinic Chief of Gastroenterology at Umraniye Training and Research Hospital
• Investigates genetic markers to help personalise treatment for inflammatory bowel conditions
• Member of the European Association for the Study of Liver (EASL)
• Completed specialist medical training and observerships at two major hospitals in the United Kingdom
• Founded and edits several international journals indexed in PubMed and Web of Science