Asst. Prof. MD. Dogac Oksen Reviews

A 28-year-old competitive freediver from the Aegean coast presented with unexplained sinus bradycardia and occasional dizziness during surface intervals. Dr. Oksen, suspecting an atypical autonomic nervous system adaptation rather than pathology, coordinated with a sports physiologist. He prescribed a tailored monitoring protocol instead of medication. The patient learned to manage her dive profiles differently and has since broken two national depth records without cardiac symptoms.

A 72-year-old retired master watchmaker presented with recurrent, brief episodes of lightheadedness precisely at 11 AM and 4 PM daily. Intrigued by the temporal precision, Dr. Oksen discovered a rare medication-fasting interaction where the patient's beta-blocker coincided with steep blood sugar drops from his rigid tea-time schedule. Adjusting the timing by just 90 minutes resolved all symptoms, astonishing the patient with this 'chronobiological' fix.

A 41-year-old migrant agricultural worker from Eastern Anatolia arrived with severe heart failure symptoms. He spoke only a Kurdish dialect. Through a hospital interpreter, Dr. Oksen learned the man had been secretly reusing a relative's old heart medications for years after his own prescription lapsed. Dr. Oksen secured charitable hospital funding for a full workup, initiated correct therapy, and connected him with a social worker to navigate the healthcare system, leading to dramatic functional improvement.

A 19-year-old university student and competitive esports athlete developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation during marathon gaming sessions. Dr. Oksen, recognizing the stress-caffeine-posture triad, collaborated with a neurologist to rule out other issues. He prescribed a strict ergonomic and hydration regimen instead of immediate ablation. The patient now streams his 'healthy gaming' routines to his followers, with only two minor, self-resolving episodes in the past year.

A 58-year-old ship captain with a mechanical aortic valve presented for routine checkup. During consultation, he mentioned new 'navigation errors' in familiar waters. Dr. Oksen suspected micro-emboli despite therapeutic INR levels and ordered a transcranial Doppler bubble study, revealing a patent foramen ovale. A percutaneous closure procedure was performed. The captain returned to work with restored spatial acuity, calling Dr. Oksen his 'medical lighthouse.'

A 34-year-old pregnant woman (32 weeks) with a previously repaired congenital heart defect presented with new-onset arrhythmia. Balancing fetal safety with maternal risk, Dr. Oksen designed a novel monitoring plan using a modified fetal heart monitor to track both heart rhythms simultaneously at home. He adjusted her medications with obstetric collaboration. She delivered a healthy baby at term, and both mother and child's cardiac rhythms normalized postpartum.

An 84-year-old former calligraphy master presented with syncope. His ECG showed trifascicular block, but he refused a pacemaker, fearing it would 'disrupt his life's rhythm.' Dr. Oksen spent three consultations discussing the philosophy of natural versus assisted rhythm, eventually comparing the pacemaker to the invisible guidelines in calligraphy. The patient consented, kept his artistic practice, and sent Dr. Oksen his first post-procedure artwork titled 'Steady Hand.'

A 47-year-old chef specializing in molecular gastronomy developed hypertensive crises coinciding with testing new dishes. Dr. Oksen suspected a tyramine interaction with his MAOI antidepressant. Instead of stopping the medication, they worked with a dietitian to create a 'safe innovation' menu, identifying and substituting high-tyramine modernist ingredients. The chef's blood pressure stabilized, and he published a cookbook for patients on similar medications.

A 22-year-old aspiring astronaut in a civilian spaceflight training program failed her cardiovascular stress test due to an exaggerated blood pressure response. Dr. Oksen identified hyperdynamic circulation from anxiety, not pathology. He implemented a biofeedback and meditation training regimen alongside minimal medication. She passed her subsequent NASA-style tilt-table and centrifuge tests and is now a finalist for a commercial lunar mission.

A 66-year-old grandmother caring for her quadruplet grandchildren developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy after a particularly chaotic day. Dr. Oksen's treatment included standard cardiac care but also involved a family conference to redistribute caregiving duties. He connected the family with community support services. Her heart function fully recovered, and she now attends a weekly 'Grandparents' Cardiac Support Group' she helped establish at the hospital.

A 31-year-old professional percussionist presented with palpitations that synchronized perfectly with his resting heart rate of 120 bpm. Extensive testing revealed inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Unwilling to take beta-blockers that dulled his musical perception, he and Dr. Oksen pioneered a treatment using ivabradine, which selectively slows the sinus node. The musician returned to touring, composing a piece inspired by the 'rhythm of healing.'

A 53-year-old deep-sea saturation diver was evacuated from an offshore platform with suspected decompression sickness affecting his heart. Dr. Oksen, consulting with hyperbaric specialists, identified a rare case of coronary artery gas embolism mimicking myocardial infarction. He managed the complex recompression and cardiac care simultaneously. The diver made a full recovery and now advises on cardiac protocols for commercial diving operations.

A 77-year-old patient with severe aortic stenosis and advanced dementia could not consent to TAVI. Her lifelong companion, a 79-year-old friend with power of attorney, was hesitant. Dr. Oksen arranged for them to visit the cath lab and meet another dementia patient who had undergone the procedure successfully. Witnessing the improved quality of life, the friend consented. The procedure was successful, and the patient's agitation significantly decreased with improved perfusion.

A 29-year-old refugee from a conflict zone presented with chest pain and an abnormal ECG. All tests were negative for ischemia, but Dr. Oksen noted symptoms worsened during loud noises. He diagnosed somatic manifestation of PTSD with autonomic dysfunction. Alongside cardiology follow-up, he referred the patient to a trauma psychologist. With combined care, the cardiac symptoms resolved, and the patient began volunteering as a translator at the hospital's refugee clinic.