Prof. M.D. Süha Göksel

My 82-year-old father was admitted with sudden, severe abdominal pain. The emergency team suspected a rare vascular issue, but the imaging was inconclusive. Dr. Göksel was called in to review the biopsy samples taken during exploratory laparoscopy. What happened next was remarkable. Instead of just sending a report, he came to the ICU himself at 11 PM. He explained to us, with hand-drawn diagrams, how he had identified a microscopic arterial dissection in the mesenteric tissue—something easily missed. His direct communication with the vascular surgeon based on his pathological findings changed the entire surgical plan. He didn't treat the sample; he treated my father. His precision turned a potential catastrophe into a successful, guided intervention. We are forever grateful for his detective's eye and his profound compassion.

Our 7-year-old daughter had a mysterious neck mass that appeared overnight. Multiple pediatricians said it was just a reactive lymph node. When it didn't resolve, we were referred for a biopsy. The procedure was minor, but the wait for the pathology result was agonizing. Dr. Süha Göksel's report was not just a diagnosis; it was a story. He diagnosed a very unusual, benign histiocytic proliferation called Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. He then personally called our pediatrician and spent 20 minutes on the phone with me, explaining in simple terms what it was, using analogies like 'a small, confused battalion of peacekeeper cells.' He assured us it would resolve on its own, saving her from unnecessary medication or worry. He followed up two months later to request a clinical update for his own learning. He treated our fear with knowledge and immense kindness.

As a 45-year-old undergoing a routine screening colonoscopy, the last thing I expected was a call back. They found a single, flat polyp. The gastroenterologist said the pathology would be key. Dr. Göksel's report was an exhaustive, three-page document. It detailed not just the diagnosis (a sessile serrated lesion with dysplasia), but a risk assessment map of the polyp's margins and a clear, graded recommendation for surveillance. He included a paragraph written directly to me, the patient, explaining the significance in layman's terms. For a routine checkup finding, the depth of his analysis was staggering. He turned a scary 'what if' into a precise, manageable roadmap. I feel incredibly secure knowing such meticulous expertise is overseeing even the smallest details of my care.

Following a complex Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer at Maslak Hospital, my case was discussed in the weekly tumor board. My surgeon told me, 'The most important person in your treatment right now is Dr. Göksel.' I didn't even meet him until my 3-month follow-up. He had personally performed and interpreted over a dozen specialized stains on my tumor tissue. In his office, he showed me the actual microscope images. He pointed out the specific cellular features that indicated a better-than-expected response to chemotherapy and explained why my particular cancer's biology suggested a good long-term prognosis. He spoke not of 'the pancreas case,' but of *my* cells, *my* tumor's behavior. He transformed my pathology from a frightening, abstract report into a tangible, understood narrative of hope. This wasn't a follow-up visit; it was a masterclass in my own survival.