Patient Experience
My 87-year-old father was admitted to Acibadem Maslak with severe dehydration and confusion after a gastrointestinal infection. Dr. Akin Kürklü didn't just treat the numbers on the chart—he spent twenty minutes sitting at my father's bedside, speaking slowly in Turkish, explaining each step in simple terms. What impressed me most was how he coordinated with the geriatric nutritionist to create a custom rehydration plan that considered my father's swallowing difficulties. He called me personally at 8 PM to update me on his stabilized condition. This wasn't just internal medicine; it was human medicine.
As an expatriate software engineer from Germany, I needed a comprehensive health assessment before my new contract. Dr. Kürklü's approach was unlike any routine checkup I've experienced. He spent the first 15 minutes discussing my work stress patterns and sleep habits before any examination. His English was flawless, and he explained complex metabolic markers using analogies from system architecture. When my bloodwork showed borderline thyroid levels, he didn't immediately prescribe medication—instead, he ordered a detailed circadian rhythm analysis. Three months later, with lifestyle adjustments he recommended, my levels normalized. He treats the system, not just the symptoms.
Our 9-year-old daughter developed mysterious recurrent fevers that five different pediatricians couldn't explain. Dr. Kürklü, though an internist, agreed to consult. He spent an hour reviewing her medical history since birth, creating a color-coded timeline on his tablet. He noticed a pattern correlating with seasonal pollen counts that others missed. Instead of invasive testing immediately, he proposed a controlled elimination diet combined with environmental adjustments. Within six weeks, the fevers stopped. He then gracefully transferred her care back to her pediatrician with a 12-page collaborative report. He solved what felt like an impossible medical mystery with detective-like precision.
I was rushed to Acibadem Maslak after collapsing at a business meeting with acute abdominal pain. Dr. Kürklü was the internal medicine specialist on call. While the surgeons ruled out appendicitis, he identified it as a rare presentation of Mediterranean fever exacerbated by stress. During my three-day hospitalization, he visited me four times daily, each time explaining a different aspect of the condition—once with diagrams, once with research articles, once just listening. His follow-up protocol included not just medication but stress management techniques and a genetic counseling referral for my family. He turned a terrifying emergency into a masterclass in comprehensive care.