Prof. M.D. Bülent Karabulut

My 8-year-old daughter, Elif, was diagnosed with a rare pediatric sarcoma. From the first moment in his office at Acibadem Izmir Kent Hospital, Dr. Karabulut spoke directly to her, not just to us. He explained her treatment using her favorite cartoon characters. His approach was a blend of absolute scientific precision and profound kindness. The protocol was complex, but he navigated every side effect with such calm assurance. We are now two years post-treatment, and at our last follow-up, he celebrated her clear scans by giving her a 'bravery certificate.' He didn't just treat cancer; he protected her childhood.

As a 72-year-old retired ship captain with advanced prostate cancer that had spread to my bones, I had seen many doctors. Dr. Bülent Karabulut was different. During what I thought was a routine checkup, he noticed subtle changes in my bloodwork and ordered immediate imaging. He discovered a developing spinal cord compression—a true oncologic emergency. He coordinated everything within hours: radiation oncology, neurosurgery, and my systemic therapy. His decisive action, explained to me with nautical metaphors I understood ('We're changing course to avoid the storm, Captain'), prevented paralysis. He commands his medical team like a master captain commands his ship.

I came to Dr. Karabulut for a second opinion after a confusing diagnosis of a neuroendocrine tumor. My case was not an emergency, but it was a complex diagnostic puzzle. He spent over an hour with me, drawing diagrams on his notepad, explaining the 'grey zones' of my pathology report. He proposed a novel, less invasive genomic sequencing approach available at Acibadem, which he called 'getting the tumor's fingerprint.' It revealed a targetable mutation, allowing me to avoid major surgery and start a tailored pill therapy. His genius is in dissecting complexity and finding the elegant, simpler path forward. He is a detective of the highest order.

Following a grueling course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for my breast cancer, I was a bundle of anxiety at every follow-up visit. The fear of recurrence was paralyzing. Dr. Karabulut transformed these appointments. He doesn't just check scans; he conducts a full 'life review.' He asks about my sleep, my return to teaching, my family stress. At one visit, he noticed my anxiety was spiking and, instead of dismissing it, introduced me to the hospital's integrated oncology psychologist right then. His follow-up care treats the whole person, not just the historical disease. He has taught me how to live beyond being a patient, and for that, I am eternally grateful.