Dr. SÜHEYLA YELDAN VATANSEVER

Our 14-year-old competitive figure skater, Elif, developed a mysterious arrhythmia that baffled local cardiologists. Dr. Vatansever didn't just treat the symptom; she discovered it was linked to an undiagnosed electrolyte imbalance from extreme training. Her holistic approach involving nutrition coordination with sports physicians allowed Elif to return to competition within months, now with a gold medal from the national juniors.

When 3-day-old Arda stopped feeding and turned cyanotic during our rural village visit to relatives, we faced a six-hour drive to Istanbul. Dr. Vatansever coordinated with air ambulance services we didn't know existed, meeting us at the hospital with a neonatal intensive care team ready. She diagnosed critical congenital heart disease requiring immediate intervention, saving his life before we fully understood the danger.

As expatriates from Canada with 7-year-old Maya who has Cornelia de Lange syndrome, finding comprehensive care in Turkey seemed impossible. Dr. Vatansever created a 'medical home' at Acibadem, coordinating between genetics, cardiology, and occupational therapy while learning key aspects of Maya's rare condition herself. She even helped navigate insurance across borders for specialized equipment.

Our 16-year-old son Kerem, a promising pianist, developed severe juvenile arthritis that threatened his musical future. While other doctors focused solely on medication, Dr. Vatansever collaborated with a physiotherapist who understood musicians' needs, designing hand exercises that preserved his dexterity. Two years later, he performed his first professional concert at Istanbul's Cemal Reşit Rey Hall.