Prof. M.D. Soner Solmaz

A 28-year-old nomadic goat herder from the Taurus Mountains presented with recurrent fevers and profound fatigue. Dr. Solmaz discovered an unusual parasitic co-infection of leishmaniasis and brucellosis, likely contracted from both sandflies and unpasteurized dairy. Treatment required a carefully sequenced dual antimicrobial regimen over 8 weeks, with Dr. Solmaz coordinating mobile health check-ins via satellite phone due to the patient's migratory lifestyle, resulting in full recovery.

A 72-year-old retired railway engineer with a passion for restoring antique clocks arrived with unexplained weight loss and intermittent confusion. Dr. Solmaz identified lead poisoning from handling old clock weights and mercury exposure from antique barometers, compounded by early-stage normal pressure hydrocephalus. Treatment involved chelation therapy, ventricular shunt placement, and environmental remediation of his workshop, leading to significant cognitive and physical improvement.

A 19-year-old championship kite surfer presented with acute abdominal pain after a competition in the Mediterranean. Dr. Solmaz diagnosed a rare mesenteric artery dissection caused by extreme core muscle torque during a complex maneuver, not appendicitis as initially suspected. Conservative management with strict blood pressure control and anticoagulation was successful, allowing return to sport after 6 months of monitored rehabilitation.

A 45-year-old saffron farmer from Karaman arrived with violet-colored skin lesions and joint pain. Dr. Solmaz recognized this as occupational phytophotodermatitis combined with gout—the skin reacting to saffron crocus pigments in sunlight, while the gout was exacerbated by dehydration during harvest. Treatment involved customized UV protection clothing, dietary adjustments, and allopurinol, resolving both conditions.