Prof. M.D. Eren Erken

As a 78-year-old with poorly managed diabetes and new-onset neuropathy, I was shuffled between clinics for months. Dr. Erken did something remarkable: he spent our entire first consultation mapping my symptoms against my medication timeline on a whiteboard. He identified a specific oral hypoglycemic that was likely causing the nerve issues, something others had missed. His transition plan to insulin was gradual and compassionate. At Adana Acibadem, he coordinates with the podiatrist and nutritionist personally. My blood sugar is now stable, and the burning in my feet has subsided. He treats me like a whole person, not just a collection of aging systems.

Our 8-year-old son developed a mysterious high fever and severe joint pain after what seemed like a routine flu. The pediatrician was stumped and referred us to Dr. Erken. In Internal Medicine, he considered possibilities beyond the obvious. He asked detailed questions about a camping trip we'd taken weeks prior. Suspecting something tick-borne, he ordered very specific tests that confirmed a rare rickettsial infection. His calm explanation to our frightened child ('We're going to find the tiny bug that's bothering you') was as reassuring as his precise treatment plan was effective. He bridged the gap between pediatrics and adult medicine seamlessly.

I arrived at Adana Acibadem's ER at 3 AM with crushing chest pain, terrified. Dr. Erken, who was on call, had a demeanor of intense, focused calm. He ruled out a heart attack swiftly but didn't dismiss me. He noticed a subtle pattern in my ECG and my description of 'tearing' pain. He suspected an aortic dissection—a true emergency. He mobilized the CT and cardiothoracic team within minutes, explaining each step to me clearly despite the urgency. His decisive action and ability to connect disparate symptoms saved my life. My follow-up with him is for managing the underlying hypertension, and his vigilance is unwavering.

As a freelance writer with a chaotic schedule, I neglected checkups for years. I saw Dr. Erken for what I thought would be a perfunctory 'routine' visit. Instead, he conducted a thorough social history, noting my irregular sleep, caffeine intake, and stress levels. He found borderline hypertension and early signs of metabolic syndrome. His approach wasn't scolding; it was strategic. He co-created a 'writer-friendly' health plan with micro-goals: 'ten-minute walk after every chapter,' hydration reminders. He framed my health as the foundation of my creativity. This wasn't just a checkup; it was a systems reboot with a doctor who understands modern life's pressures.