Best Lung cancer surgery surgeons in Turkey: TOP 30 doctors

Dr. Adnan Sayar is a leading thoracic surgeon in Turkey. He has over 40 years of medical experience and more than 30 years in thoracic surgery. He is known for his work in minimally invasive thoracoscopic and robotic procedures. These techniques have helped improve patient recovery and outcomes for chest diseases.

Dr. Sayar received international training at top centers, including Kyoto University and the Karolinska Institute. He is a key figure in lung transplantation and serves on Turkey’s Ministry of Health Lung Transplantation Scientific Committee. He also holds the FETCS certification from the European Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

His expertise includes lung cancer surgery, tracheal and diaphragmatic reconstruction, and pediatric thoracic surgery. As a professor and mentor, he has led both public and private institutions. Dr. Sayar has helped thousands of patients and has played a major role in advancing thoracic care standards in Turkey.

Dr. Mustafa Solak is a medical oncologist with expertise in breast, testicular, ovarian, lung, head-neck, and gastrointestinal cancers. He graduated from Hacettepe University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Istanbul Sisli Etfal Teaching and Research Hospital. He then pursued a fellowship at Hacettepe University Cancer Institute.

Dr. Solak has managed many complex cancer cases. He has contributed to clinical advancements at respected centers, including the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He has also worked at Hitit University Corum Training Hospital and Medical Park Hospital. His experience shows a strong commitment to cancer care and research.

Assoc.Prof. Altan Kır is a Thoracic Surgery and Robotic Surgery specialist, as well as one of the top lung cancer doctors. He has been a thoracic surgeon at Anadolu Medical Center since 2007 and is a member of the Turkish Thoracic Surgery Society, the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the Thorax Society.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güner ÇAKMAK is a highly skilled and experienced specialist in General Surgery, currently practicing at Lokman Hekim University İstanbul Hospital. With a medical degree earned from Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital in 1997, he has built an extensive career, focusing on various advanced surgical techniques. His areas of expertise include laparoscopic surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, and various types of laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeries, including those for hernias, reflux, and esophageal issues. He is also highly experienced in hemorrhoid surgery and surgeries for anal fistulas and fissures.

Throughout his career, Dr. Çakmak has made significant contributions to medical literature, having published over 43 articles in international peer-reviewed journals and 16 in national journals. He is also the author of 20 technical notes, case reports, and research articles. His commitment to advancing medical knowledge is reflected in the numerous awards he has received, with a total of 9 prizes recognizing his exceptional work in surgery. Fluent in Turkish, English, and German, Dr. Çakmak offers comprehensive care to his patients, employing the latest minimally invasive techniques to ensure the best outcomes.

At Lokman Hekim University İstanbul Hospital, he continues to provide expert care, focusing on complex surgeries, with an emphasis on laparoscopic and metabolic procedures. His work is marked by a dedication to patient well-being and continuous professional development, making him a trusted choice for individuals seeking high-quality surgical care in Turkey.

Education and Career

2011 – 2015, (Internal Medicine Specialist) Istanbul University Istanbul School of Education and Career

Medicine Department of Internal Medicine

2015 – 2016, (Internal Medicine) Specialist Istanbul Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

2016 – 2019, (Medical Oncology) Istanbul University Istanbul School of Medicine Department of Medical Oncology

2019 – 2021, (Medical Oncology Specialist) - Istanbul Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

2021 – 2024, (Associate Professor) Marmara University School of Medicine Department of Medical Oncology

Memberships in Scientific Organizations

ASCO

ESMO

TTOD 

AVOD 

Publications

In the field of oncology, he has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles at both international and national levels.

Awards Received

EAACI The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2019 Best Poster Award

"The top 3rd verbal presentation, IGICC (11th International Gastrointestinal Cancers Conference – IGICC2021)"

Speeches Delivered at National Congresses, Conferences, and Symposia:

Courses, Meetings, and Certificates

ESMO certified Medical Oncologist since 2019

Workplace:

Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital

Head of the Thoracic Surgery Department

Education:

2014-2015

President of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons

2009-2017

Member of the Board of Directors, European Society of Thoracic Surgeons

West Virginia University, School of Medicine

Chair of Thoracic Surgery

2019 –

Vice Chair of Thoracic Surgery and Director of the Tracheal Surgery Program, West Virginia University,

School of Medicine

2009-2019

Program Director of Thoracic Surgery, Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals

2009 – 2019

Professor of Thoracic Surgery and Head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul Faculty of

Medicine

2001-2019

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul University

2001

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Gülhane Military Medical Academy

1999

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul University

1997

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul University

1992

Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University

Rewards:

European Society of Thoracic Surgeons Best Poster presentation Award

• Turkish Thoracic Society, best presentation award

• Turkish Lung Cancer Society, best presentation award

• Turkish Thoracic Society, best presentation award

• Euroepan Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Best Poster Award

Fields of interest:

 Surgical treatment for locally advanced stage lung cancer

 Extended surgery for mediastinal masses

 Robotic lung cancer surgery

 Robotic surgery for mediastinal masses

 Tracheal surgery (tumors, stenosis, fistula, and others)

Medical Oncology

Fields of Study and Interests

 Gastrointestinal Sy (GI) Cancer

 Cancer Vaccines

 Breast Cancers

 Lung Cancer

 Rare Cancers

Education

 MD: Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, 1994

 Internal Medicine Specialist Training: Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, 2004

 Internal Medicine Specialist Training: Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine, 2007

 Medical Oncology Sub-Specialist Training: Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine, 2010

 Medical Oncology Sub-Specialist Training: Istanbul University Oncology Institute, 2013

Career

 Assistant Professor: Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, 2005

 Assist. Prof. Dr.: Kafkas University, 2006-2007

 Minor Assistant Professor: Selçuk University – Medical Oncology, 2007-2010

 Minor Assistant Professor: Istanbul University Oncology Institute – Medical Oncology,

2012-2013

 Specialist Professor: Istanbul University Oncology Institute – Medical Oncology, 2013-2017

 Assoc. Prof. Dr.: Istanbul University Oncology Institute – Medical Oncology, 2017-2023

 Prof. Dr.: Istanbul University Oncology Institute – Medical Oncology, 2023-present

Education

Undergraduate: Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine (English), 2000-2007.
PhD: Chest Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, 2007-2013.

Experience

Medical Residency Student, Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases, 2007-2013.
Specialist Doctor, Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, 2013-2015.
Specialist Doctor, Koç University Hospital, 2015-2017.
Associate Professor, Koç University Hospital, 2017-2022.
Associate Professor, Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, 2022-2023.
Professor Doctor, Arel University Faculty of Medicine, 2023.
Professor Doctor, Biruni University Faculty of Medicine/Hospital, 2023- Currently

Scientific Memberships
 

Turkish Thoracic Society
Respiratory Research Society of Turkey
ASYOD (Asthma and Allergy Association)
European Respiratory Society
Turkish Medical Association

Awards

Foreign Publication Second Prize, Turkish Thoracic Society 24th Annual Congress, Antalya, 2021
Diagnostic and Interventional Methods Study Group - Best Oral Presentation Award, Turkish Thoracic Society, 23. Annual Congress, 2020 (Virtual congress)
Diagnostic Methods Working Group - Best Poster Award, Turkish Thoracic Society 22nd Annual Congress, Antalya, 2019
Foreign Publication Third Prize, Turkish Thoracic Society, 20th Annual Congress, Antalya, 2017
Third Prize for Published Congress Paper, Turkish Thoracic Society 19th Annual Congress, Antalya, 2016
ERS Respiratory Championship 2016, Participation in the Knowledge Contest as Turkey Team and Third Prize, London, 2016
Marmara University Faculty of Medicine 19th Term Second Prize, Marmara University, 2007

Medical Intrests

• Lung Cancer
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Sleep Apnoea Syndrome
• Asthma/COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Pneumonia (Pneumonia)

Education and Specialization

• 2006: Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine
• 2014: Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Internal Medicine
• 2018: Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Medical Oncology

Experience

• 2006 - 2008: Konya Derebucak District Hospital
• 2009 - 2015: Akdeniz University Hospital
• 2015: Antalya Kaş State Hospital
• 2015 - 2016: İnönü University Faculty of Medicine
• 2016 - 2021: Akdeniz University Hospital
• 2021 - 2023: Antalya Training and Research Hospital

Education

• (2004 – 2011), Faculty of Medicine/ Inonu University/ Malatya, Turkiye
• (2011 – 2015), Department of Radiology/ Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital/ Istanbul, Turkiye

Career

• (2016 – 2020), Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist/ Mus State Hospital/ Mus,Turkiye
• (2020 – 2022), Assistant Professor of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology/ Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital/ Sakarya, Turkiye
• (2023 – 2024), Associate Professor of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology /Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital/ Sakarya, Turkiye
• (2024 - Present), Associate Professor of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology /Medipol University Hospital/ Istanbul, Turkiye

Education and Specialization
-Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine – Medical Education
-Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Center – Thoracic Surgery, Specialization

Professional Memberships
-Turkish Society of Thoracic Surgery
-Turkish Thoracic Society
-Turkish Lung Cancer Society
-Anatolian Pathology Society

Areas of Interest

-Lung cancer surgery

-Surgery for bronchiectasis

-Surgical treatment of hydatid cysts

-Pneumothorax

-Surgery for emphysema

-Treatment of excessive armpit sweating (hyperhidrosis)

-Surgical treatment of diaphragm diseases

-Surgical diagnosis and management of pleural effusion

Education

• Undergraduate - Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University 1976-1982
• Assistant - Department of General Surgery - Adana Province Feke District, Incirli Health Center 1982-1984
• Assistant General Surgeon - Department - Sisli Etfal Hospital 1984-1985
• Specialist - General Surgery Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 1985-1988
  Assistant. Associate Professor Department of General Surgery - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 1993-1999
• Professor Department of General Surgery Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 1999-Present
•  

Experience

• Undergraduate Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 1976-1982
• Assistant Adana Province Feke District, İncirli Health Center 1982-1984
• Assistant Sisli Etfal Hospital 1984-1985
• Specialist Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 1985-1988
• Specialist Şırnak 23rd Border Gendarmerie Brigade (15 January-15 March short term) 1993
• Associate Professor Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 1993-1999
• Professor Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery Professor 1999-Present
•  

Scientific Memberships

• National Surgical Association
• National Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery
• Istanbul Medical Chamber
• ESTES (International)

Awards

• National Scientific Patent Award 2017.
• Gök A. F. K., Ertekin C., Video Paper First Prize , Istanbul Surgical Association, March 2015
•  

Medical Intrests

• Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery
• Gastroenterology Surgery
• Endoscopic diagnosis treatment
• Trauma and Emergency Surgery
   

Education and Specialization

• Akdeniz University School of Medicine
• Akdeniz University Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery

Professional Experience

• Sept. 2011 – Present: Thoracic Surgeon, Harran University School of Medicine Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
• Oct. 2004 – Oct. 2011: Thoracic Surgeon, Yunus Emre State Hospital, Eskişehir, Turkey
• Oct. 1998 – Oct. 2004: Resident, Akdeniz University Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Antalya, Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Ersöz: Pioneer in Thoracic Surgery and Aesthetic Rib Contouring

Early Life and Education

Born in 1985 in Diyarbakır, Turkey, Hasan Ersöz grew up in a family that deeply valued knowledge and service. His father, Dr. Ekrem Ersöz, was a highly respected urology specialist and served as chief physician at Diyarbakır State Hospital. His mother, an English teacher, ensured a balanced upbringing enriched with both science and language. Inspired by his father's legacy, Hasan knew from a young age that he wanted not just to become a doctor, but a surgeon.

After completing his primary and secondary education in Diyarbakır, he successfully passed the science high school entrance exams and moved to Çanakkale to attend his mother's hometown's prestigious Science High School. Excelling academically, he scored high enough in the university entrance exam to gain admission to Hacettepe University, yet chose to study medicine at Dicle University due to family circumstances.

Medical Training & Inspiration

During his final year at medical school, his father fell seriously ill with lung disease—an event that profoundly influenced his future. Motivated by a personal and idealistic mission, he pursued thoracic surgery, a branch typically not selected by top scorers. He earned a spot in the Dokuz Eylül University Thoracic Surgery Residency in Izmir, the city that would become the center of his life's work.

Residency and Early Practice in Izmir

After five years of intensive surgical training, Dr. Ersöz was appointed to Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. Despite Suat Seren Chest Hospital being the primary center for chest cases, patients with high-risk and complex profiles soon began requesting him. With courage and precision, he operated on numerous high-risk cases that others had turned away.

His success led to a life-changing offer from İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University: to establish a new thoracic surgery department at the city’s oldest hospital, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital. Accepting the challenge without hesitation, he set out to build a clinic from the ground up—literally starting without scissors, beds, or administrative support.

Establishing a Nationally Recognized Clinic

Despite bureaucratic hurdles and minimal resources, Dr. Ersöz worked tirelessly. He mastered hospital admin sys, handled paperwork himself, placed patients in borrowed beds, and pursued animal studies to publish internationally. He simultaneously taught thoracic surgery classes singlehandedly.

His passion for innovation took him to China in 2019, where he trained under the legendary Dr. Diego Gonzales Rivas, mastering minimally invasive thoracic surgery (VATS). Without a local mentor, he successfully completed more than 50 operations, gaining recognition for his independent achievements.

Scientific Achievements & Global Recognition

Dr. Ersöz's animal study publications received funding from TÜBİTAK and were published in journals indexed by the Oxford University Library and prominent Asian medical journals. His high-impact work attracted citations and letters of commendation, and he quickly rose through the academic ranks.

In 2020, at the age of just 35, he was granted the title of Associate Professor. That same year, he organized an international symposium on Pectus Deformities. With live surgical demonstrations, he trained dozens of surgeons from countries including Italy, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

Pioneering Surgical Techniques

Dr. Ersöz's clinic became internationally known for its groundbreaking thoracic procedures:

✅ First cross-bar pectus surgery in Turkey (5th worldwide)

✅ Second 4-bar simultaneous pectus correction in the world

✅ Carinal sleeve pneumonectomy for high-risk lung cancer

✅ Bronchial fistula repair using the world’s 5th ASD occluder

✅ Scarless rib flare correction using Ribella

The Ribella Procedure: A World-First

Developed by Dr. Ersöz, Ribella is the world’s first non-surgical rib contouring method, ideal for patients (especially women) with rib flare and poor waist definition despite low body fat.

Performed under ultrasound guidance, Ribella requires no incisions, stitches, or rib removal. Pinhole entry points are used to externally reshape the angle of the 10th to 12th ribs. The result is an immediate and permanent waist narrowing of up to 7–9 cm, with zero downtime.

Ribella is a game-changer for models, athletes, dancers, and individuals seeking aesthetic enhancement without surgical trauma.

Transition to Private Practice

By 2022, Dr. Ersöz had spent 6.5 years building one of Turkey’s most advanced thoracic surgery departments. Despite tremendous academic success, he felt his energy was being diverted by bureaucracy. At age 37, he made the bold move to resign and establish his own clinic.

Today, he operates out of a private medical center in Izmir, focusing exclusively on what he loves: healing patients and pioneering new techniques.

Services Offered

• Pectus Excavatum Surgery (Minimally Invasive Nuss Procedure)

• Pectus Carinatum Correction (Brace & Surgery)

• Rib Flare Correction (Scarless Ribella Method)

• VATS Lung Surgery

• Hyperhidrosis (Sweating) Treatment

• Thymectomy

• Lung Cancer Surgery

• Chest Wall Reconstruction

• International Patient Coordination

Keywords for SEO Optimization

"pectus excavatum treatment", "rib flare surgery", "Ribella waist narrowing", "thoracic surgery Turkey", "scarless body contouring", "Izmir chest surgeon", "best pectus doctor", "non-surgical rib shaping", "aesthetic thoracic procedures", "Ribella surgeon Europe"

Current Role and Patient Experience

Dr. Ersöz and his team manage every step of the patient journey:

✓ Airport pickup and hotel coordination

✓ Multilingual translation and concierge

✓ Chest CT & 3D simulation-based evaluation

✓ Personalized care and recovery planning

Located in central Izmir, the clinic is just minutes from the airport, seafront, and 5-star hotels.

Final Notes

Dr. Hasan Ersöz is more than a surgeon—he is a visionary. His fearless devotion to his field, his patients, and innovation has redefined what is possible in thoracic aesthetics.

Married and father of two, Dr. Ersöz continues to inspire a new generation of surgeons, combining science with beauty, and compassion with precision.

"We don’t just correct deformities; we restore confidence."

Prof. Kıvanç Derya Peker completed his medical education and general surgery specialization at Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa). After his major specialization, he got his Gastroenterology Surgery Specialization from the Gastroenterology Surgery Clinic of Kartal Koşuyolu Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital by entering the top 3 in the minor examination.

During his sub-branch assistantship, he received a scholarship from the Turkish Surgery Association and worked at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, USA) Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Clinic and Obesity-Metabolic Surgery Clinic. After returning to Turkey, He was one of the founders of the Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery unit at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital. Peker provided Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery training to general surgery residents and gastroenterology surgery residents in this hospital, which is accepted as a training unit by the Turkish HPB Association.

On the other hand; In order to learn , cancer biology, cellular properties of obesity and aging, he did his doctorate and thesis on aging at Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa), Department of Medical Biology. Then, he moved to Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital to establish the Gastroenterology Surgery Clinic.

Especially in his career; He is interested in Pancreatic Diseases and Surgery, Gallbladder and Bile Duct Diseases Surgery, Liver Cancer Surgery, Stomach Cancer Surgery and Obesity-Metabolic Surgery. Peker has carried out many successful operations. He has performed over 400 pancreatic and gastric cancer surgeries, over 200 liver surgeries, many surgeries related to gallbladder and biliary tract diseases, obesity – metabolic surgery and endoscopic treatments, and kidney transplants so far. He is also interested in aging and treatments.

MEDICAL INTERESTS

• Pancreatic Surgery
• Gallbladder and Tracts Surgery
• Liver Diseases Surgery
• Stomach Diseases and Stomach Cancer Surgery
• Obesity – Metabolic Surgery and Endoscopic Treatments
• Kidney Transplant

Dr. Nedret Taflan Salepci is a Medical Oncologist with over 30 years of clinical experience. She completed her medical degree and specialized in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology at Istanbul University, a leading medical school in Turkey.

Dr. Salepci has worked at Kartal Training and Research Hospital as a Medical Oncology Specialist. She also served as Assistant Chief of the Internal Diseases Clinic. In 2010, she became an Associate Professor. She has also provided oncology care at Universal Italian Giovanni Alberto Angelli Hospital.

She is a member of the Medical Oncology Association, Lung Cancers Association (AKAD), ESMO, ASCO, and the Istanbul Medical Chamber. These memberships show her dedication to professional growth and high standards in cancer care.