2005 – M.D., Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
2010 – Internal Medicine Specialization, Haseki Training and Research Hospital
2021 – Gastroenterology Subspecialty Training, Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine
Assistant Professor, Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital
Assistant Professor, Istanbul Bilim University Faculty of Medicine
Assistant Professor, Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University Faculty of Medicine
Head of Department, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Acar has authored over 20 international peer-reviewed articles in the fields of internal medicine and gastroenterology. Her notable contributions include studies and case reports on:
Gastrointestinal bleeding management in anticoagulant users
Rare GI cases such as bezoars, aortoesophageal fistulas, and massive hemorrhagic ascites
Liver transplantation complications, including graft-versus-host disease
The role of (pro)hepcidin in IBD-related anemia
Endoscopic interventions for acute GI bleeding
Covid-19 treatment agents and their GI implications in Turkey
(Full publication list available upon request)
Gastrointestinal bleeding & endoscopic procedures
Hepatology & liver disease management
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
Complex GI case diagnostics
Post-transplant GI complications
Diabetic GI and cardiovascular comorbidities
Read moreProf. Dr. Aytaç ATAMER was born on January 31, 1964 in Adapazarı. He started his medical education at Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine and graduated in 1987. After completing his residency training at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Atamer worked as a specialist physician at the Social Insurance Institution (SSK) Diyarbakır Hospital. He then continued to work as a specialist physician at Diyarbakır Training and Research Hospital.
In 2008, he completed his upper specialization at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital Gastroenterology Clinic and in the same year, he was named Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital. In 2011, he continued his duty with the duty of establishing Yalova State Hospital Gastroenterology Clinic and compulsory service and in 2013, he became a faculty member at Yalova University. Between 2017 and 2022, he worked as a Professor at Çamlıca Erdem Hospital Gastroenterology Clinic.
Since 2022, he has been working as a Gastroenterology Specialist and Internal Medicine Specialist at NPISTANBUL Brain Hospital.
Read moreProf. Rafael Bruck is a highly experienced gastroenterologist and hepatologist with 40+ years of experience. He specializes in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, gastrointestinal cancer, and biliary duct and liver abnormalities. He is a member of several medical organizations, including the American Medical Association.
Read moreDr. Erwin Santo is an Israeli top rated gastroenterologist, an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric and liver diseases. He has extensive experience in the field, including heading the Gastroenterological Department at Sourasky Medical Center and being a co-founder of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, the Israeli Association of Gastroenterology, and the European Association of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition.
Read moreDr. Levent Demirturk is a gastroenterologist with over 40 years of experience. He graduated from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine in 1982. He completed his Internal Medicine training at GATA in 1989. He then specialized in Gastroenterology in 1992.
Dr. Demirturk has held important academic roles, including Professor and Ward Chief at GATA Haydarpaşa. He was also a member of the Higher Science Council. He has made valuable contributions to clinical practice and medical education. He has led teams and managed cases at major hospitals such as Emsey and Hisar.
Read more1995 to 2001 | Ege University Faculty of Medicine – Medical Education
2001 to 2006 | Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine – Internal Medicine Specialization
2008 to 2011 | Göztepe Training and Research Hospital – Gastroenterology Subspecialty
2014 | Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital – Associate Professor of Gastroenterology
2021 | University of Health Sciences – Professor
2007 | Nusaybin State Hospital – Internal Medicine Specialist (Civil Service Obligation)
2011 to 2014 | Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital – Gastroenterology Specialist
2014 to 2017 | Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital – Associate Professor of Gastroenterology
2017 to 2021 | Health Sciences University – Associate Professor of Gastroenterology
2015 to 2021 | Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital Gastroenterology Clinic – Clinic Chief
2021 to 2022 | University of Health Sciences – Professor of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology
2015 to 2022 | Genomic Laboratory (GLAB) Coordinator, Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate
2014 to 2021 | Northern Clinics of Istanbul Journal (indexed in WoS and PubMed) – Founding Editor
2021 to Present | Turkish Liver Research Association – Board Member
2022 to Present | Hepatology Bulletin Journal – Editor
2019 to Present | Hepatology Forum Magazine – Editor
2016 to Present | World Journal of Hepatology – Editor
1999 | Trainee Doctor, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
2000 | Trainee Doctor, Cardiology Unit, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK
2005 | Assistant Doctor, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
Turkish Gastroenterology Association
Turkish Liver Research Association
EASL – European Association for the Study of Liver
APASL – Asian Pacific Association for the Study of Liver
AAAS – American Association for the Advancement of Science
2013 | Liver Fibrosis Pathways in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Comparative Proteomic Study – Gilead Fellowship Award
2014 | Liver Fibrosis Pathways in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Comparative Proteomic Study – Viral Hepatitis Fight Association Project Support Award
2014 | The Relationship between Spontaneous Seroconversion and Toll-Like Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Hepatitis B Infection – Turkish Gastroenterology Association, Best Poster Second Prize
2015 | Research on Damage Pathways in Liver Tissue in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Comparative Proteomic Study – Turkish Gastroenterology Association, Best Oral Presentation Third Prize
2016 | Investigations of the EGF and Its Receptor EGFR Gene Variants in Ulcerative Colitis – XV Euroasian Congress of Gastroenterology and Surgery, Best Oral Presentation Third Prize
Read moreDoctor: Kilis Merkez No. 1 Health Center, 2006-2008
Assistant Doctor: Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, 2009-2013
Specialist Doctor: Bingöl Genç State Hospital, 2013-2014
Minor Assistant: Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, 2014-2017
Minor Specialist: Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, 2017-2018
Subspecialist: Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital, 2018-2020
Attending Specialist: Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, 2020-2022
Associate Professor: Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, 2023
Associate Professor: Istinye University Medicalpark Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital, 2023-2024
Turkish Pediatric Society
Turkish Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition
ESPGHAN - European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition.
Education and Specialization
Experience
Read more
Gastroenterology
Pendik Medipol University Hospital
1999 Karadeniz Technical University, Gastroenterology
1997 Atatürk University, Internal Diseases Professorship
1992 Atatürk University, Internal Diseases Associated Professorship
1985 Atatürk University, Internal Diseases Specialist
1981 Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine
1- Nihat Okçu Gülçin Polat, Arif Yılmaz, Mehmet Koruk, The demographic features of gastric cancers in Erzurum(Eurasian J Med 2000; 32: 63-65)
2- An Evaluation of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Cases. Clinical Sciences-Doctor.2000, - E.akarsu,N.Okçu,et Ark.Northeast Anatolia 6:4:435-438
3-N.Okçu, A.yılmaz. İ.kiki,MDonuk, C.gündoğdu, H.uzunismail. Our Diagnostic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Results. Atatürk University Medical Journal 1997,29 (2):486
4-N. Okçu, M.gündoğdu, MD onuk, İ.kiki, l.cerrahoğlu, k.yılmaz, I. çapoğlu. The Role of Misoprostol in Preventing Gastroduodenal Lesions in Patients Using Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Atatürk University Medical Journal 1997,29 (2):453-455.
5-N.Okçu, A. Öz, MD Onuk, E.Akarsu, B. Tekin, Hz Tonbul, H.Kaya. Plasma Fibronectin Levels in Chronic Active Hepatitis and Decoction of Liver Parenchymal Insufficiency and Their Relationship with Liver Functional Status. Turkish J. Gastroenterol 1995;27(4): 422-426.
6-N.Okçu, Tahir Buran, MD Onuk, A. Yılmaz, E.Akarsu, G. Akçay. Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori in Patients with Duodenal Ulcer in Erzurum and Surrounding Area. Turkish J. Gastroenterol 1995;27(4): 447-450.
7-N.Okçu, bs awake, e. akarsu, e. bakan, z. tonbul. Importance of Carbohydrate Antigens (CA-19-9, CA-125), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and Alkaline Phosphatase in Gastric and Colorectal Cancers. Turkish J. Gastroenterol 1995;6:467-471.
8-N. Okçu, MD Onuk, E. Akarsu, H. Doğan, C. Gündoğdu. Major Risk Factors in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Our Region. Gastroenterology 1994;5(2):154-157
9-N.Okçu, md. Onuk, e. akarsu, h. doğan, c.gündoğdu, tahir buran. Frequency of gastric carcinoma in Erzurum region, endoscopic and histological features. Gastroenterology 1994;5(2):263-267.
10-N. Okçu, MD Onuk, Tahir Buran, E. Akarsu, MA Çiftçioğlu. Frequency of Helicobacter Pylori in Nonspecific Gastritis Cases in Erzurum Province. Gastroenterology 1994;5(2):211-213.
11-N.Okçu, MD Onuk, Ö. Ünal, E. Akarsu, L. İncesu, K. Akgöz. Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Intra-Abdominal Mass Lesions. Gastroenterology 1993;4(1):166-68.
12-NOkçu, md. onuk, m. polat, a. yılmaz, m. gündoğdu, m. paç. Budd-Chiari Syndrome (2 Cases). Turkish J Gastroenterhepatol 1993; 4(1):77-80.
13-N.Okçu, H. Koçak, MD Onuk, M. Gündoğdu, E. Bakan, A. Yılmaz, A. Başoğlu, A. Ateş, F.A. Paç. The Effect of Atrial Pressure Changes and Cardiac Nerves on Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) Levels. Vascular Surgery 1993; 27(2): 128-132
15-N.Okçu, MD Onuk, A.Yılmaz, M. Gündoğdu, T. Buran. Effects of Omeprozole and Ranitidine on Peptic Ulcer Healing. Doğa-Tr.J. of Medical Sciences 1992;16:657-658.
16-N. Okçu, Mr. Yiğitoğlu, B. Adam, E. Bakan. The Effect of Digixin on Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptic Level in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure. S.Ü. Medical Faculty Journal 1991;7(2):243-247..
17-N.Okçu, A. Yılmaz. The Effect of Histamine H2 -Receptor Antagonists in Upper Gastrointestinal System Bleeding. Endoscopy Journal 1991;2(4):17-23.
18-N.Okçu, E. Bakan, B. Adam, A. Yılmaz, Mr. Yiğitoğlu. Sex Hormones and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Levels in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis and Liver Cirrhosis (Letter to the Editor). Nature-Tr. J. Of Medical Sciences 1991;15:1-2.
19-N.Okcu Ömer Yılmaz.Helıcobacter pylori and related gastrointestinal system diseases. Turkish Clinics JMed Sci. 2013;33(3):806-13
20-Nihat Okçu, Ömer Yılmaz, Hakan Dursun, Gülçin Polat. The relationship between dyspeptic symptoms, nutritional habits, endoscopic and histological findings (Eurasian J Med 2006; 38: 13-17)
21-Mehmet Bilici,1Nihat Okcu,1Kerim Cayir,1Ibrahim Pirim,2Salim B. Tekin,1andCemal Gundogdu3 - Distribution of HLA Tissue Groups in Patients with Gastric Cancer Eurasian J Med. 2010 Apr; 42(1): 9.11.
22-Nihat Okcu,Abdulhalim Bak,Mehmet Sari,Mehmet Arslan,Sait Kapicioglu:The fibroblast proliferation, relationship of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and interferon-A2A Gastroenterology April 2000Volume 118,Issue 4, Part 2, PageA1404
23-Kubra Kaynar,Sait Kapicioglu,Mehmet Sari,Nihat Okcu,Abdulhalim Baki. The effect of fish oil on stress ulcer prophylaxis GastroenterologyVolume 118, Issue 4, Part 2, PageA1255
Read moreIn 2007 he joined the Costa del Sol Hospital and left this position when he obtained an international scholarship that would take him back to San Francisco. In 2010 he moved to Japan to complete his training in the submucosal endoscopic dissection technique that he would later on introduce in Andalusia in 2011, thus becoming one of the pioneers in the performance of this technique in Spain. In 2011 he became the first medical professional in the world to use the 15-mm AXIOS stent in pancreatic fluid collection drainage. In 2018 he began to perform gastroenteroanastomosis with luminal apposition stent in patients with pancreatic cancer and bowel obstruction, thus becoming a pioneer in Andalusia to perform such technique.
He is a coauthor of the reference guides of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy on the endoscopic treatment of chronic pancreatitis and non-variceal gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Professional Experience
Over 24 years' experience
1999 - Degree in Medicine and Surgery. Malaga University, Spain.
2003 to 2006 - Medical Residency in the Digestive System at the Virgen Macarena Hospital in Seville, Spain.
2006 - International Scholar at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, USA.
2007 – Digestive System Specialist at the Costa del Sol Hospital, Marbella. Spain.
2008 - California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, USA.
2009 - Top Reviewer Award received from the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Journal.
2011 – Pioneer in Spain in the introduction of the submucosal endoscopic dissection technique.
2011 – First professional in the world to use the AXIOS (15mm) stent for pancreatic fluid collection drainage.
2016 - Gold Medal of the Andalusian Society for Digestive Disease (SAPD, in its Spanish abbreviation).
2017 - Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology (FACG).
2018 - Pioneer in Andalusia to perform gastroenteroanastomosis with luminal apposition stent to treat bowel obstruction.
2019 - Fellow of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE).
The Digestive System Unit of the Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital offers a patient service portfolio that includes all the clinical aspects of gastroenterology, hepatology, biliary duct and pancreatic disease, as well as the diagnostic and treatment techniques used in this speciality such as abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy and other functional tests.
Our specialists have solid professional backgrounds and the team is highly qualified for the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases such as conditions related to acidity (gastric ulcers, helicobacter pylori, gastroesophageal reflux disease), enteropathies (Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis; coeliac disease...), viral hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, pancreatic disease...
The Digestive System Unit of the Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital is a pioneer in the implementation of a specific check-up programme for digestive disease with special attention to the diagnosis and treatment of colon precancerous lesions.
Diseases, treatments and techniques:
• Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound
• Endoscopic resection techniques (mucosectomy/submucosal dissection)
• Submucosal or third-space endoscopy (POEM and variants)
• Bariatric endoscopy (Apollo Method)
Read moreDr. Sebastian Schoppmann is an expert in general and visceral surgery. He specializes in upper gastrointestinal procedures. He leads the Gastroesophageal Tumor Unit at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna. He also heads the gastric and esophageal surgery team at the Medical University of Vienna.
Dr. Schoppmann has published over 240 scientific articles. He is the General Secretary of the Austrian Society of Surgical Oncology. He has served as editor or associate editor for several respected medical journals. He is known for his achievements in surgical oncology and cancer research.
Read moreDr. Arnulf Ferlitsch is a specialist in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology. He completed his medical studies in Vienna in 1998. He continued his training at top institutions, including UCLA and the University of Pennsylvania. From 2000 to 2010, he focused on internal medicine, gastroenterology, hepatology, and intensive care.
Dr. Ferlitsch has received several research awards, such as the UEGW Best Abstract Award (2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012), the Ferring Prize, and the Skoda Prize. He founded the hepatic hemodynamics laboratory and the liver cirrhosis outpatient clinic at the Medical University of Vienna. Since 2018, he has led the Department of Internal Medicine I at the Hospital of the Barmherzigen Brüder in Vienna.
Read moreHe was born in Istanbul in 1982. He graduated from Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine. In 2012, he worked as an emergency medical assistant at Taksim First Aid EAH.
Between 2013-2018, he specialized in general surgery at Haseki EAH. Then, between 2018-2020, he completed his compulsory service at Bitlis Tatvan State Hospital.
Since 2020, with Dr. Hasan Lice, they have worked with the Sava team for bariatric surgeries. He is married and has two kids.
He is also the deputy chief physician of the hospital.
Read moreDr. Muhammed Zubeyr Üçüncü is an Associate Professor of Surgery and a specialist in General Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Istanbul University, Istanbul Medicine Faculty. He is known for his skills in acute biliary pancreatitis, endoscopy, trauma and emergency surgery, obesity, and breast health.
Dr. Üçüncü has published more than 15 peer-reviewed articles. His research covers breast cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and surgical methods. He has presented his work at international congresses, including the SIS World Congress on Breast Healthcare and the European Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery.
He is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support and Advanced Endoscopy. He is also a member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. Dr. Üçüncü has helped improve breast cancer prognosis and minimally invasive surgery in Turkey.
Read more