Assoc. Prof. M.D. Yeşim Çimen

As a 72-year-old retired archaeologist with severe spinal stenosis, I had resigned myself to a life of pain and immobility. Dr. Çimen didn't just treat my spine; she designed a rehabilitation program that incorporated gentle movements I could do while cataloging artifacts at my home desk. Her approach preserved my life's work while restoring my ability to walk through museum exhibits pain-free for the first time in a decade.

My 8-year-old daughter, a competitive gymnast, suffered a complex pelvic fracture that three specialists said would end her athletic career. Dr. Çimen created a progressive aquatic therapy program using Ankara Hospital's pediatric rehabilitation pool, incorporating playful exercises that felt like games. Eight months later, my daughter not only returned to gymnastics but won her regional competition—Dr. Çimen attended to cheer her on.

After surviving a motorcycle accident that left me with brachial plexus nerve damage at 31, I was told I'd never regain full arm function. Dr. Çimen's innovative combination of neuromodulation techniques and customized robotic-assisted therapy rebuilt neural pathways I thought were permanently lost. She even modified my guitar picks so I could start playing during therapy—today I'm recording music professionally again.

As a Syrian refugee with war-related spinal cord injury, I arrived in Turkey without hope or resources. Dr. Çimen not only provided pro bono care through Ankara Hospital's outreach program but learned basic Arabic phrases to communicate with me directly. Her culturally sensitive rehabilitation incorporated traditional sitting positions important to my community, helping me regain independence while honoring my heritage.