Spec. MD. Onder Ozum Polat

A 72-year-old retired shipyard welder from Tuzla presented with progressive fatigue and joint pain, initially dismissed as age-related. Dr. Polat identified a pattern of lead poisoning through obscure occupational exposure history from repairing old vessels, confirmed by bone lead testing. Chelation therapy combined with environmental remediation led to gradual improvement over nine months, with his grandchildren now actively involved in his dietary management.

A 19-year-old university exchange student from Nigeria developed a persistent fever and unusual rash. Multiple clinics had treated for common infections without improvement. Dr. Polat recognized the pattern of Lassa fever from her travel history to rural areas before departure, a diagnosis confirmed by specialized PCR. His early isolation order and ribavirin protocol prevented hospital outbreak, with full recovery after a prolonged six-week hospitalization.

A 41-year-old vegan software developer presented with neurological symptoms including numbness and poor balance. Previous doctors had found normal B12 levels. Dr. Polat investigated further and diagnosed functional B12 deficiency due to a rare genetic polymorphism affecting cellular uptake, requiring intramuscular hydroxocobalamin despite normal serum levels. Symptoms gradually resolved over four months with targeted therapy.

A 58-year-old female ceramic artist from Cappadocia presented with progressive respiratory issues. Dr. Polat connected her silicosis not to her current work but to childhood exposure in her father's pottery workshop, confirmed by high-resolution CT showing classic patterns. He initiated a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program and secured disability benefits, with her daughters managing her oxygen therapy at home.

A 28-year-old female professional freediver from Antalya presented with recurrent episodes of confusion and headache after deep dives. Dr. Polat discovered an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale through meticulous history-taking and specialized testing, explaining her paradoxical gas emboli. He coordinated with cardiology for a percutaneous closure, allowing her to return to her sport with a modified dive profile after three months of monitored recovery.