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Akif Turna

Member Spotlight

Cerrahpasa Medical School


General Thoracic

Member Since: 2023

Biography:

I graduated from Istanbul University Istanbul Medical School with extensive training in thoracic surgery from Yedikule Teaching Hospital for Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery. Over the course of my career, I have achieved significant milestones, including the initiation of the VATS lobectomy program in 2007 and the attainment of both national and European Thoracic Surgery Board Certificates.

Currently, I hold the position of Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, a role I have proudly served in since 2013. Additionally, I serve as the Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, where I lead and contribute to advancements in the field.

What Does the AATS Mean to You:

AATS means professional development, rich educational resources, innovative research collaboration and leadership opportunities for me.

My First Experience with AATS:

I first attended AATS 2014 meeting. I was mesmerized with the translational research presentations.

Why I became an AATS member:

I have become an AATS member for many reasons. Reasons include opportunities to share translational researches, networking and discussing with world-class surgeons, opportunities for leadership, seeing and sharing innovative concepts.

The first presentation I gave is:

I firstly presented the results of my high-school project at International Student Medical Sciences Congress in 1988

The first paper I had published is:

Bedirhan MA, Turna A, Yagan N, Taşçi O. Aprotinin reduces postoperative bleeding and the need for blood products in thoracic surgery: results of a randomized double-blind study. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2001 Dec;20(6):1122-7.

I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:

I would like to share the latest results of my studies. I would like to study in the working groups of the oprganization

Advice for Trainees:

Being able, available, and affable."

My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:

Anti-tumor immunology in lung cancer and its importance

A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:

Surgical treatment in patients with PNET impacted my career to a great extent since, best possible surgical resection providing highest survival, highest quality of life in a young patient (Most of the PNET patients are young) present ultimate challenges.

The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:

My mentor taught me to be patient-centric.

The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:

Preoperative immunotherapy.

The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:

Long working hours

Advice for Trainees:

Being able, available, and affable.