M.D. Meryem Necafı

A 7-year-old Syrian refugee boy, Ali, presented with severe malnutrition and recurrent pneumonia. Dr. Necafı discovered he had an undiagnosed primary immunodeficiency. She coordinated with social services for nutritional support and initiated immunoglobulin replacement therapy. The boy's health transformed over six months, and she helped enroll him in a local school program for refugee children.

Elif, a 14-year-old competitive swimmer from an affluent family, developed unexplained fatigue and joint pain. While other specialists suspected overtraining, Dr. Necafı identified early-onset lupus through meticulous antibody testing. She designed a treatment plan allowing controlled swimming, preserving both Elif's athletic dreams and long-term health through careful immunosuppression.

Three-year-old Kaan, son of migrant agricultural workers, arrived with severe lead poisoning from contaminated soil at their temporary housing. Dr. Necafı not only initiated chelation therapy but mobilized public health authorities to test other children in the settlement, discovering five additional cases and prompting environmental cleanup.

A 9-year-old girl, Zeynep, presented with what appeared to be psychiatric symptoms including hallucinations. Dr. Necafı recognized anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a rare autoimmune condition. She initiated immunotherapy within 48 hours, preventing permanent neurological damage. The girl made a full recovery after three months of treatment.