Dr. Zeynep Acar

As a 72-year-old with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, I was overwhelmed and scared. Dr. Zeynep Acar didn't just give me a diet chart—she spent two hours with me and my daughter, explaining how Mediterranean spices could replace salt for my hypertension, demonstrating portion sizes with actual plates from the hospital cafeteria, and creating a 'flexible framework' rather than restrictive rules. Her approach considered my limited mobility and pension budget. Six months later, my HbA1c is normal, and I've actually enjoyed rediscovering Turkish vegetables I'd forgotten about. She treats the whole person, not just the numbers.

Our 8-year-old son Leo was diagnosed with severe eosinophilic esophagitis after months of choking episodes. Multiple doctors said 'avoid everything.' Dr. Acar approached it like a detective novel. She used a step-by-step elimination diet paired with a colorful 'food detective' journal for Leo, making him an active participant. She collaborated with his pediatric allergist at Acibadem to reintroduce foods systematically. She even found local brands of safe snacks we never knew existed. Leo hasn't had an episode in 4 months, and he proudly explains his 'superpower diet' to friends. Her pediatric nutritional therapy is nothing short of brilliant.

I was admitted through the ER with acute pancreatitis, malnourished and in agony. Dr. Acar was at my bedside within the hour. This wasn't a routine consult; she managed my complex nutritional support like a critical care specialist. She navigated the paradox of needing bowel rest while preventing starvation, starting with precise parenteral nutrition and orchestrating the transition to elemental feeds. She explained each step to me, reducing my anxiety. Her daily adjustments based on my labs were meticulous. She turned a life-threatening crisis into a managed recovery. This was emergency nutritional medicine at its finest.

As a competitive amateur cyclist preparing for a 1200km race, I consulted Dr. Acar for performance optimization, expecting generic advice. Instead, she conducted a comprehensive analysis of my training logs, gut tolerance during long rides, and even my sleep patterns. She designed a phased nutrition strategy with specific protocols for training days, tapering, race day, and recovery—including a revolutionary 'real-food-only' race fuel plan using Turkish ingredients like dried apricots and tahini mixes. My recovery time improved dramatically, and I completed the race with sustained energy. She applies elite sports science with incredible personalization.