Prof. M.D. Zübeyde Gündüz

Our 14-year-old competitive figure skater, Elif, developed a mysterious fatigue syndrome that baffled local doctors. Dr. Gündüz didn't just run tests—she spent an afternoon at the rink observing Elif's training regimen. She discovered the issue wasn't medical but nutritional timing related to intense practice sessions. Her 'prescription' was a revised meal schedule coordinated with coaching sessions. Within three weeks, Elif's energy returned and she qualified for nationals.

When 6-year-old Kaan, a refugee child from Syria with limited Turkish, was admitted with severe pneumonia, communication barriers complicated care. Dr. Gündüz learned basic Arabic phrases from his family and used picture cards to explain procedures. She discovered his fear of hospital equipment stemmed from wartime experiences. By creating a 'story' where medical tools were 'friendly robots,' she gained his trust, leading to successful treatment and his first genuine smile in months.

As parents of premature triplets, we were overwhelmed when one developed necrotizing enterocolitis. Dr. Gündüz implemented an unconventional 'parent-in-residence' program, teaching us sterile feeding techniques so we could participate in care. She transformed our fear into capability, and her daily handwritten notes about each baby's subtle progress became our lifeline during the 68-day NICU stay.

My 17-year-old daughter, a promising pianist, developed focal dystonia in her right hand. Specialists suggested she abandon music. Dr. Gündüz collaborated with a neurologist and music therapist to create a 'neurological retraining' program using specific musical exercises. She monitored progress not with standard tests but by having my daughter play increasingly complex pieces. After nine months, she performed Chopin at a school concert.