Assoc. Prof. M.D. Ferhat Demir

A 7-year-old competitive gymnast from a middle-class family presented with unexplained fatigue and joint pain. Dr. Demir discovered exercise-induced asthma complicated by a previously undiagnosed vitamin D deficiency. Treatment involved a tailored inhaler regimen, nutritional supplementation, and collaboration with a sports physiotherapist. The patient returned to full training within 8 weeks with improved performance metrics.

A 14-year-old refugee from Syria, recently resettled with her family, was brought in for persistent headaches. Dr. Demir identified not migraine, but severe vision strain from an uncorrected astigmatism, compounded by post-traumatic stress affecting her ability to articulate symptoms. He arranged for free corrective lenses through a hospital charity program and initiated a referral for counseling, addressing both the physical and psychological barriers to her health.

A 3-year-old from an affluent family presented with recurrent, mysterious high fevers every 3-4 weeks. After extensive investigation ruled out common causes, Dr. Demir diagnosed PFAPA syndrome (Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis). He initiated a single-dose prednisone protocol at fever onset, which abruptly aborted the episodes. The family was taught to manage the condition, transforming their chaotic emergency room visits into predictable, brief at-home care.

An 11-year-old boy, son of migrant agricultural workers, was admitted for failure to thrive and abdominal pain. Dr. Demir diagnosed a complex parasitic co-infection (giardiasis and strongyloidiasis) acquired in rural areas. Treatment required a specific, staggered antiparasitic regimen. He also connected the family with a social worker to improve living conditions, leading to full recovery and sustained weight gain over three months.