The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What is your hometown?
Istanbul, Turkey
When did you join the University of Iowa faculty?
2000
How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?
I have been inspired since childhood by my father - a dedicated and caring physician who received extraordinary appreciation from his patients.
What interested you to pursue a career in Pediatrics?
I was fascinated by the fact that I could make a difference in the life of a child and have an impact on future generations.
Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shape you career?
Drs. Warren Bishop and Kathleen Sanders from Pediatric Gastroenterology were great role models as compassionate clinicians and excellent teachers. Dr. Jeffrey Conklin (73BS, 78MD, 81R, 84F-Internal Medicine) instilled enthusiasm for research during my fellowship. Drs. Bradley Britigan, Garry Buettner (69MS, 76PhD – Chemistry) and John Stokes have guided me in my efforts to become an independent investigator.
How or why did you choose the University of Iowa?
Initially, I followed my husband who came to do a Neurology residency at the University of Iowa. We both became very fond of the city and the University. I returned in 2000, when the University of Iowa gave me an opportunity to build my research career and the chance to teach and provide excellent care to my patients.
The University of Iowa’s faculty members are united to provide exceptional patient care while advancing innovations in research and medical education. How does your work help translate new discoveries into patient centered care and education?
I have two active research projects. First, the pancreatic and biliary involvement in a novel cystic fibrosis (CF) pig model. As a pediatric gastroenterologist taking care of children with CF, I hope that the studies in the CF pig model will open an entirely new way to care for the children who suffer from pancreatic insufficiency, liver disease, growth and nutritional problems. Second, the role of an antioxidant enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), in gut inflammation and oxidative stress. Our studies show that the upregulation of this enzyme will help protect the stomach against toxic effects of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
What kinds of professional opportunities or advantages does being a faculty member at an academic medical center provide?
The widespread expertise, the institutional emphasis on scientific progress and clinical excellence, and the collegial environment foster multidisciplinary research and fruitful collaborations.
Please describe your professional interests.
Clinically, I am interested in a wide variety of pediatric gastrointestinal disorders, with a focus in functional gut disorders and motility problems. My research is focused on understanding the mechanisms that lead to pancreatic and biliary involvement in CF, and the role of HO-1 in gut inflammation and oxidative stress.
What led to your interest in pediatric gastrointestinal and liver disorders?
As a pediatric resident, I was intrigued by the unanswered questions in my patients with gastroenterology problems and wanted to know more about the field. Its interventional aspect and its interface with other disciplines (surgery, pathology and radiology) also attracted me.
How does working in a collaborative and comprehensive academic medical center benefit your work?
I am able to engage in extensive collaborations and consultations, which are stimulating and facilitate successful outcomes, both in clinical care and research.
Please explain some of your research within cystic fibrosis in pig models.
As a clinician who sees patients with CF and gastrointestinal problems, the novel CF pig model is absolutely amazing! Mouse models of CF were first introduced in 1992, but mice never developed lung, pancreas and liver involvement typical of CF patients. Because of this, many questions remain unanswered in CF to this day. CF pigs have gastrointestinal, pancreatic and biliary problems very similar to humans. My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to pancreatic and liver disorders in the CF pig model. We are hoping that this model will help us improve the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with CF.
What are some of your outside interests?
Spending time with my family, playing with my 3 year old daughter, gardening, cooking, listening to music, hiking and biking.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?
“Live as you were to die tomorrow. Learn as you were to live forever.” -Ghandi
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
Better health care for all children of the world.
What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?
Advances in molecular biology, genetics and computer sciences.
What one piece of advice would you give to today's students?
Identify role models, define and prioritize your personal and professional goals, and surround yourself with people who can help you reach your goals.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
The medicine will continue to adapt to the digital age and evolve with innovative therapies (gene therapy, stem cell transplant, etc), but some traditions, such as a good physician who cares and listens, will never change.
In what ways are you engaged with the greater Iowa public (i.e. population based research, mentoring high school students, sharing your leadership/expertise with organizations or causes, speaking engagements off campus, etc.)?
I have spoken at national and international meetings, served as a committee member (professional education, research and training) of North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).