Prof. MD. Mehmet Parlak

My 8-year-old daughter developed recurrent fevers with migratory joint pain that baffled pediatric specialists for months. Prof. Parlak was the first to connect her symptoms to periodic fever syndrome triggered by a previous Epstein-Barr infection. His gentle approach with children and detailed explanation using cartoon diagrams helped her understand her 'immune system superhero training'.

During my humanitarian work in rural Guatemala, I was bitten by an unidentified insect and developed a progressive necrotic lesion. Local doctors suspected flesh-eating bacteria. Prof. Parlak coordinated my medical evacuation and diagnosed cutaneous leishmaniasis through telemedicine before I even arrived. His global network of tropical disease experts provided the specific antimonial treatment I needed.

As a 45-year-old competitive ultramarathon runner, I suddenly developed exercise-induced fevers and debilitating fatigue. Sports medicine doctors thought it was overtraining syndrome. Prof. Parlak discovered I had chronic Q fever with endocarditis, a condition typically seen in livestock workers. His collaboration with cardiology saved my aortic valve and possibly my life.

My 83-year-old mother with dementia developed recurrent UTIs that were becoming antibiotic-resistant. Instead of the usual rotation of antibiotics, Prof. Parlak implemented a revolutionary bacteriophage therapy through a clinical trial. The targeted viral treatment cleared her infection without disrupting her gut microbiome, improving her cognitive function noticeably.

As a 72-year-old retired marine biologist who contracted a rare marine-acquired mycobacterium during a research trip to the Philippines, I had been misdiagnosed three times. Prof. Parlak recognized the unique granulomatous pattern in my lung biopsy that others missed. His treatment protocol involving combination therapy tailored to aquatic pathogens saved my life when I was down to 97 pounds.