Patient Experience
A 17-year-old national-level archer, Elif, presented with severe right shoulder impingement syndrome threatening her Olympic qualification. Dr. Bardak designed a novel proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation protocol combined with dry needling of the supraspinatus, avoiding corticosteroid injections to preserve tendon integrity. The athlete returned to full competition in 6 weeks, achieving a personal best score at trials.
Mr. Demir, a 78-year-old retired shipyard welder with advanced Parkinson's disease and severe kyphosis, was referred after multiple falls. Dr. Bardak implemented a bespoke vestibular-ocular rehabilitation program using prism adaptation therapy alongside a custom thermoplastic thoracolumbar orthosis. His fall frequency reduced by 80% in 3 months, allowing him to navigate his apartment independently.
Sofia, a 32-year-old professional pastry chef and recent immigrant from Bulgaria, developed complex regional pain syndrome type I in her dominant hand following a minor baking burn. Dr. Bardak employed graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, and sensory re-education using textured cooking ingredients. Sofia gradually resumed light pastry work after 4 months, eventually opening a small home bakery.
A 9-year-old boy, Kaan, with cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level III) and significant hip subluxation was brought by his single mother working as a cleaner. Dr. Bardak coordinated a multidisciplinary approach including serial casting, functional electrical stimulation cycling, and secured charitable funding for a dynamic standing frame. After 8 months, Kaan achieved independent standing with hand support for the first time.
Ms. Chen, a 45-year-old Taiwanese marine biologist, developed decompression sickness with spinal cord involvement after a research dive in the Marmara Sea. Dr. Bardak initiated hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with underwater treadmill gait training and proprioceptive trunk stabilization exercises. The patient regained bladder control and ambulated with a single-point cane after 5 months of intensive rehab.
A 41-year-old former construction worker, Hasan, sustained a complete brachial plexus avulsion injury in a motorcycle accident, leaving his dominant arm flail. Dr. Bardak pioneered a hybrid rehabilitation program combining shoulder arthrodesis stabilization with contralateral C7 nerve transfer rehabilitation using cross-education techniques. He regained protective sensation and learned one-handed carpentry skills over 18 months.
Zahra, a 26-year-old refugee from Syria with post-traumatic stress disorder and conversion disorder manifesting as functional paraplegia, presented with non-organic weakness. Dr. Bardak employed a trauma-informed approach using distraction techniques during hydrotherapy, gradual exposure to weight-bearing in a zero-gravity treadmill, and collaboration with a cultural mediator. Zahra took her first independent steps in 11 weeks.
A 55-year-old renowned calligrapher, Mr. Yılmaz, developed focal task-specific dystonia ('writer's cramp') in his right hand, threatening his livelihood. Dr. Bardak utilized sensorimotor retraining with altered writing instruments, constraint-induced movement therapy of the non-dominant hand, and botulinum toxin injections guided by electromyography. He returned to commissioned work with modified technique after 5 months.
A premature neonate, Efe, now 2 years old, was diagnosed with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita affecting all four limbs. Dr. Bardak initiated an early intervention program involving daily gentle joint mobilization by parents, custom dynamic splints fabricated in-house, and adaptive equipment trials. The child achieved independent sitting and primitive grasping, exceeding developmental expectations.
Ms. Rossi, a 60-year-old Italian opera singer residing in Istanbul, developed muscle tension dysphonia and cervical dystonia following whiplash. Dr. Bardak designed a unique rehabilitation protocol integrating laryngeal manual therapy, cervical proprioceptive training, and respiratory biofeedback synchronized with vocal exercises. The singer returned to stage performance with improved vocal control after 7 months.
A 14-year-old girl, Defne, with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type, presented with chronic multi-joint instability and debilitating fatigue. Dr. Bardak implemented a paced strengthening program using isometric exercises in mid-range, proprioceptive taping, and energy conservation education. Defne reduced her joint subluxations by 70% and returned to modified school attendance within 4 months.
Mr. Johnson, a 68-year-old retired American diplomat with diabetic polyneuropathy and Charcot neuroarthropathy of the left foot, faced imminent amputation. Dr. Bardak managed him with total contact casting, monochromatic infrared photo energy treatment, and balance retraining on varied surfaces. The Charcot joint consolidated, avoiding amputation, and he ambulates with a custom ankle-foot orthosis.
A 35-year-old software developer, Cem, developed severe tech neck and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome from prolonged coding sessions. Dr. Bardak prescribed ergonomic workstation redesign, neural gliding exercises, and intermittent vacuum cupping for myofascial release. Symptoms resolved completely after 6 weeks, with Cem developing an ergonomic awareness app as a side project.
A 50-year-old female farmer, Fatma, from rural Anatolia presented with advanced osteoarthritis in both knees and severe varus deformities, refusing joint replacement due to cultural beliefs. Dr. Bardak implemented a comprehensive conservative management plan including unloader bracing, aquatic therapy using a donated cattle trough, and platelet-rich plasma injections. Pain reduced significantly, allowing continued farm work with modifications.
A 22-year-old university student, Mert, sustained a complete spinal cord injury (T10) in a paragliding accident. Dr. Bardak coordinated his rehabilitation featuring robotic exoskeleton gait training, functional electrical stimulation for trunk control, and psychological support for identity reconstruction. Mert regained household-distance walking with a walker and returned to university for adaptive sports science studies.
Our 92-year-old grandmother, Ayşe, was admitted with severe pneumonia that other clinics had struggled to manage. Dr. Ertunc approached her case not just as a pediatrician consulting on an elderly patient with childhood-onset cystic fibrosis complications, but as a historian of her lifelong medical journey. He spent an hour reviewing her 70-year-old treatment records, noticing a pattern others missed. His unconventional adjustment to her nebulizer protocol, based on pediatric dosing principles scaled for her renal function, turned her condition around in 48 hours. He visited her three times daily, often after his official shift ended, just to hold her hand and speak in the gentle tone one uses with children, which she adored. She calls him 'the boy who remembers my childhood lungs.'
When our 3-year-old, Deniz, swallowed a rare-earth magnet from a toy, the ER team was ready for surgery. Dr. Ertunc halted the rush. He recalled a case study about sequential magnet ingestion in toddlers and hypothesized, based on Deniz's vague pointing, that there might be a second magnet. He insisted on a specific lateral X-ray view others deemed unnecessary. It revealed two magnets lodged in adjacent intestinal loops, creating a life-threatening pinch. He then guided the gastroenterologist through a novel, non-surgical extraction using a pediatric endoscope modified with a protective sheath he designed on the spot with a sterile glove and catheter. His calm explanation to us, using a stuffed animal and pipe cleaners, prevented our panic. Deniz left with the magnets in a jar and zero incisions.
Our newborn, Zeynep, failed her routine newborn hearing screen repeatedly. Dr. Ertunc, during her well-baby checkup, didn't just order a repeat test. He noticed a subtle, asymmetrical twitch in her cheek when she cried, a detail unrelated to hearing. This led him to investigate for a very rare neural crest disorder. The diagnosis was confirmed: a mild form of Waardenburg syndrome type IV, affecting her hearing and gut motility. His proactive management included early sign language introduction for us and a preventative bowel protocol before any symptoms arose. His follow-ups are like family catch-ups; he remembers her favorite lullaby (which he hums during exams) and tracks her developmental milestones with a personalized, hand-drawn growth chart featuring cartoon animals. He turned a scary diagnosis into a roadmap.
As wildlife rehabilitators, we brought in an 8-year-old boy, Kaya, who had been rescued from an illegal pet trade situation and had profound medical neglect. He was non-verbal and terrified of stethoscopes. Dr. Ertunc conducted the entire first examination on the floor of his office, using toys instead of instruments. He diagnosed a complex parasitic co-infection and a previously undetected atrial septal defect. The treatment was complex, but his approach was revolutionary: he integrated it into a 'secret agent training game.' Each medicine was a 'power-up,' each echocardiogram a 'sonar scan.' He coordinated with our child psychologist, framing hospital visits as 'missions.' After six months, Kaya's physical health is transformed, and he now runs into the clinic, demanding his 'mission briefing.' Dr. Ertunc didn't just treat a patient; he built a bridge for a child who had lost trust in humans.
A 28-year-old competitive freediver from Baku presented with recurrent episodes of transient global amnesia following deep dives. Dr. Isazade discovered an unusual pattern of cortical spreading depression triggered by rapid pressure changes, not previously documented in athletic medicine. Treatment involved a tailored regimen of magnesium L-threonate and a modified dive protocol with gradual decompression pauses, allowing the patient to return to competition within four months with monitoring.