M.D. Leyla Yolar

Our 8-year-old daughter, Elif, developed a sudden, severe abdominal pain that had us rushing to Beylikduzu Surgical Medical Center in the middle of the night. Dr. Leyla Yolar was the on-call pediatrician, and her calm presence immediately settled our panic. She didn't just rely on scans; she spent 20 minutes talking to Elif, asking about her school play and what she'd eaten, all while gently examining her. She diagnosed a rare case of mesenteric adenitis that mimicked appendicitis, avoiding an unnecessary surgery. Her ability to connect with a frightened child while making complex medical decisions was nothing short of miraculous. We are forever grateful.

As the grandfather of a premature newborn, Ali, I found myself in an unfamiliar world of incubators and monitors. At 72, I felt useless. Dr. Yolar, during her rounds, noticed my anxiety. She didn't just update me on Ali's lung development; she pulled up a chair, used simple diagrams on a napkin to explain bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and showed me exactly how to safely hold him during visits. She treated me not as an elderly bystander, but as a vital part of Ali's care team. Her respect and inclusion transformed my fear into purpose. Ali is now thriving, and so is my connection with my grandson.

This wasn't a routine checkup. My 14-year-old son, Kerem, needed a complex laparoscopic procedure for a congenital diaphragmatic hernia discovered during a sports physical. Dr. Yolar's approach was a masterclass in collaborative care. She presented us with 3D imaging models, discussed the surgical plan in detail with Kerem present, answering his technical questions without condescension. Post-surgery, her follow-up was relentless—not just medical checks, but messages checking on his mood and recovery morale. She navigated the tricky waters of adolescent anxiety and major surgery with incredible finesse. The scar is minimal, and his confidence is fully restored.

We visited Dr. Yolar for what we thought was a simple follow-up for our toddler's ear infection. During the examination, she noticed a subtle, inconsistent flicker in his left eye that we had missed. With quiet urgency, she ordered specific neurological tests, coordinating directly with a pediatric neurologist. It turned out to be early-onset absence seizures. Her meticulous observation during a routine visit potentially altered the entire trajectory of our son's cognitive development. She isn't just a doctor who treats illnesses; she's a detective who looks for the hidden story. Her vigilance is a gift we can never repay.