Assoc. Prof. M.D. Bedriye Koyuncu Sökmen

My 82-year-old father was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer after months of unexplained weight loss. Other doctors gave us little hope, but Dr. Bedriye approached his case with such thoughtful consideration for his age and overall frailty. She designed a modified treatment plan that balanced aggression with quality of life—something we hadn't encountered elsewhere. Her ability to explain complex immunotherapy options in simple Turkish, while holding my father's hand, was remarkable. At Acibadem Atakent, she coordinated with geriatric specialists, and today, six months later, he's enjoying family meals again. She treats the person, not just the tumor.

Our 9-year-old daughter developed a rare duodenal tumor that baffled local hospitals. Dr. Bedriye was our last resort. From the first meeting, she knelt to eye level with our child, using drawings to explain what was happening inside her 'tummy.' She pioneered a minimally invasive surgical approach specifically for pediatric cases, collaborating with international experts via teleconference at odd hours. Post-surgery, she visited daily with small surprises—a sticker chart to track recovery milestones. Her blend of world-class surgical precision and genuine maternal warmth turned our nightmare into a manageable journey. We trust her completely.

I arrived at Acibadem Atakent's ER at midnight with acute intestinal obstruction—a terrifying emergency. Dr. Bedriye, who was on call, assessed me within minutes. She identified an underlying, previously missed colon cancer causing the blockage. What struck me was her calm decisiveness amid crisis; she explained the need for immediate surgery without causing panic. During the complex resection, she discovered additional microscopic lesions and removed them all in one procedure. Her post-op follow-ups were meticulous, even calling me personally to check on my drainage output. She turned an emergency into a life-saving intervention with flawless execution.

As a 45-year-old with a family history of GI cancers, I sought Dr. Bedriye for a routine screening colonoscopy. What I expected to be a quick procedure became a life-altering consultation. She discovered and removed three precancerous polyps with such technical skill that I had zero discomfort. But beyond that, she spent an hour mapping my lifetime risk, creating a personalized surveillance plan that considers my lifestyle and genetics. She didn't rush; she educated. Now, my entire family sees her for preventative care. Her proactive approach transforms routine checkups into powerful prevention strategies—she doesn't just treat cancer, she outsmarts it before it starts.