Assoc. Prof. M.D. Sibel Aka Reviews

A 14-year-old competitive figure skater from a wealthy family presented with unexplained fatigue and intermittent joint pain. Dr. Aka discovered subtle signs of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) masked by intense training schedules. She coordinated with a sports nutritionist and psychologist, implementing a phased return-to-play plan that preserved the athlete's identity while restoring metabolic health over six months.

A 3-year-old refugee child from Syria, recently resettled in a low-income neighborhood, was brought in with failure to thrive and persistent cough. Dr. Aka diagnosed latent tuberculosis and severe nutritional deficiency. She navigated language barriers through a community interpreter, secured social services support for the family, and managed a complex 9-month treatment regimen with directly observed therapy, resulting in complete recovery.

An 11-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder and limited verbal communication was experiencing severe abdominal distress. Through careful observation of his nonverbal cues and collaboration with his behavioral therapist, Dr. Aka identified rumination syndrome triggered by school anxiety. She implemented a multidisciplinary approach involving a GI specialist, occupational therapist, and school counselor, achieving symptom resolution within three months.

A 7-year-old girl from a middle-class family presented with recurrent, treatment-resistant ear infections. Dr. Aka discovered she was using homemade herbal remedies from an online 'wellness' community instead of prescribed antibiotics. Through non-judgmental education and incorporating some safe traditional practices alongside evidence-based medicine, she rebuilt trust and successfully treated the underlying chronic otitis media.