Best Pediatric Mitral Valve Replacement cardiac surgeons in Turkey: TOP 15 doctors

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

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.

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.

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

Professional Experience

• 1999-2000: Şırnak Military Hospital, Military Service
• 2001-2007: Süreyyapaşa Chest, Heart, and Vascular Diseases Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic
  • Contributed to the establishment of the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic
  • 2005: Awarded the title of Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Surgery
• 2007-2009: Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital
• 2009-2011: Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Assistant Chief
• 2011-2017: Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Instructor
• 2016-2017: Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Education Officer
• 2017-2024: Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Medicine, Professor
  • Head of Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Medicine
• Since July 2024: Medipol Acıbadem District l Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgeon

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

Education:

• Higher Education (6 Years): Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, 2001
• Specialization in Medicine: Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, 2007
   

Experience:

• Faculty of Medicine, University of Rostock, Department of Cardiac Surgery - Research Assistant, August 2007 - August 2008
• King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, King Faisal Heart Institute - Fellow, August 2008 - October 2008
• Private Göztepe Şafak Hospital, October 2008 - April 2009
• Private Esnaf Hospital, May 2009 - March 2010
• Düzce Atatürk State Hospital, March 2010 - September 2011
• Private Anadolu Medical Center Hospital, October 2011 - June 2013
• Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, July 2013 - December 2018
• Istanbul Medipol University Faculty of Medicine, January 2019 - April 2023
• Biruni University Faculty of Medicine, April 2023 - Present
•  
• Professor: December 18, 2020
• Associate Professor: April 16, 2015-December 18, 2020
• Specialist Doctor: November 2009- April 16, 2015
• Research assistant: June 2002 - July 2007
• Faculty of Medicine: Marmara University - English (1995-2001)[Diploma Grade: 75/100] - Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Awards:

Second best oral presentation award: Didem Melis Öztaş, Mert Meriç, Metin Onur Beyaz, Mehmet Akif Onalan, Shiraslan Bakhshaliyev, Kıvılcım Sönmez, Kerem Oter, Sedat Ziyade, Beyhan Ömer, Ufuk Alpagut, Murat Uğurlucan. Investigation of the Effect of Erythropoietin on Stem Cell Levels in Cardiovascular Tissue in Diabetic Rats. 19th National Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Congress, Kyrenia, Cyprus, October 26-29, 2019.

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. Sertac Cicek is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon with over 40 years of medical experience. He has spent more than 30 years specializing in cardiac surgery, focusing on complex congenital and pediatric heart procedures. He trained at leading centers worldwide and completed fellowships at Texas Heart Institute, Mayo Clinic, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This combination of fellowships is rare in the field.

Dr. Cicek is the Chief of Pediatric and Adult Cardiovascular Surgery at Liv Hospital Vadistanbul. He leads advanced surgical programs and performs specialized operations, including Ozaki aortic valve reconstructions, Ebstein anomaly repairs, and minimally invasive heart surgeries. He is also a pioneer in hybrid coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Dr. Cicek holds ECFMG certification and active medical licenses in Turkey, Minnesota, and West Virginia. He has received several awards, such as the GATA 100th Anniversary Scientific Achievement Award and a Presidential Citation from the Asian Society for Cardiovascular Surgery. He is a founding member of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery and has been listed in Who’s Who in Medicine & Healthcare for 20 years.

• AREAS OF INTEREST
• Spine surgery
• Scoliosis
• Kyphosis
• Childhood spinal diseases
• Degenerative spine diseases
• Lumbar cervical disc herniation
• Knee hip joint disorders
• Orthopedic trauma surgery

• Education and Specialization
• 2010 - Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine - Medical Education
• 2016 - Medeniyet University Goztepe Training and Research Hospital - Specialization

• Experience
• 2016 - 2022 - Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital
• 2015 -2016 - Chicago Loyola University, Illinois, USA

• Courses and Certificates
• 13.12.2019-14.12.2019 Turkish Spine Society Eurospine Accredited Education Modules
• 08.11.2019-10.11.2019 Turkish Spine Society Eurospine Accredited Education Modules
• 31.08.2015-04.09.2015 Basic Microsurgery Course, MICROSURGERY EDUCATION-RESEARCH LABORATORY
• AO Trauma Course-Basic Principles of Fracture Management
• 07.06.2014-10.06.2014 Fracture Management, Kodi Kojima Chairperson AOTrauma Education Commission
• 01.03.2013-02.03.2013 Instrumentation in Arthroscopic Surgery

• Professional Memberships
• Turkish Orthopedics and Traumatology Association (TOTBİD)
• Turkish Medical Association - Istanbul Medical Chamber

Education

Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Medicine, 02/07/2013
Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Surgery, 20/12/2018

Experience

Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine: 2013-2019
Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital: 2019-2021
Istanbul Training Research Hospital: 2021-2023
Biruni University Hospital: 2023-Present

Awards

National Society of Vascular Surgery Congress-Oral Paper 2.2nd prize:
ÖZTAŞ DİDEM MELİS, Meriç Mert, BEYAZ METİN ONUR, Önalan Mehmet Akif, Bahşeliyev Şiraslan, SÖNMEZ KIVILCIM, ÖTER KEREM, ZİYADE SEDAT, ÖMER BEYHAN, ALPAGUT İBRAHİM UFUK, UĞURLUCAN MURAT (2019). Investigation of the Effect of Erythropoietin on Stem Cell Level in Cardiovascular Tissue in Diabetic Rats. 19th National Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Congress.

Dr. Ismail Oral Hastaoglu graduated from Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine in 1998. He completed his specialization at Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center in 2005. He is a member of several professional organizations, including EACTS, ESVS, UVCD, the Phlebology Association, and TKDCD.

Dr. Hastaoglu specializes in coronary bypass surgery, heart valve surgery, congenital heart diseases, heart tumors, and aneurysm treatments. He also has experience in carotid artery operations, aortic aneurysm repair, peripheral artery disease management, and AV fistula procedures. He has made important contributions to cardiovascular surgery.