M.D. Volkan Yurtman

A 19-year-old university student from a nomadic background presented with recurrent pericarditis. Traditional anti-inflammatories failed. Dr. Yurtman identified a pattern correlating with the family's seasonal migration routes and specific regional pollens. He implemented a novel combination of colchicine with targeted immunotherapy, allowing the student to maintain both academic studies and cultural traditions.

A 45-year-old master luthier (string instrument maker) developed critical hand ischemia from radiation-induced coronary-subclavian steal syndrome following childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment. Dr. Yurtman performed a complex carotid-subclavian bypass with microsurgical techniques to preserve fine motor function. The patient resumed crafting instruments within nine months, dedicating his next violin to the surgical team.

A 28-year-old female competitive freediver presented with syncopal episodes during deep dives. Dr. Yurtman discovered a previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale with a significant right-to-left shunt exacerbated by the Valsalva maneuver. The patient, from a coastal village with limited resources, underwent a minimally invasive percutaneous closure. She returned to competitive diving within three months, setting a new national depth record.

A 72-year-old retired railway engineer with severe aortic stenosis refused conventional surgery due to a traumatic childhood experience with medical settings. Dr. Yurtman developed a unique desensitization protocol over six weeks, combining virtual reality exposure with gradual hospital visits. The patient eventually consented to a successful TAVI procedure and later volunteered to counsel other anxious surgical candidates.