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Acibadem Specialist

Prof. Dr. Ülkem Çakır

Nephrology

33+ years experienceLanguages: Turkish, EnglishOnline consultation
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Prof. Dr. Ülkem Çakır
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Prof. Dr. Ülkem Çakır

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Prof. Dr. Ülkem Çakır is a nephrologist at Acibadem Atasehir Hospital in İstanbul with 33+ years of experience. She treats chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, dialysis management, renal replacement therapy, kidney transplant recipient care, transplantation immunology, Fabry disease-related kidney disease, kidney transplant bone disease, topiramate-induced metabolic acidosis, therapeutic plasma exchange, and COVID-19 pneumonia requiring intensive care. She consults in Turkish and English and offers online video consultations.

Prof. Ülkem Çakır is a professor of nephrology with a strong clinical and academic background. She earned her professorship in Nephrology from Acibadem University Faculty of Medicine in 2014 and is currently affiliated with Acibadem Health Group (since 2023). Her work spans clinical care, research, and transplantation immunology. She is an active member of leading professional organizations, including the European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA), the International Society of Nephrology, the American Society of Nephrology, the Turkish Society of Nephrology, and the Transplantation Immunology and Genetics Society (TIGED). These memberships reflect her commitment to advancing kidney care, dialysis, transplantation, and related research.

Clinical Focus

Areas of Expertise

Conditions treated and procedures performed by this specialist.

Chronic kidney diseaseEnd-stage renal diseaseDialysis managementRenal replacement therapyKidney transplant recipient careTransplantation immunologyFabry disease-related kidney diseaseKidney transplant bone diseaseTopiramate-induced metabolic acidosisTherapeutic plasma exchangeCOVID-19 pneumonia requiring intensive care
Background

Education

  • 2014 Acibadem University Faculty of Medicine, Professorship in Nephrology
  • 2006 Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Associate Professor of Nephrology
  • 2002 Başkent University Faculty of Medicine Nephrology
  • 1998 Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital Internal Medicine
  • 1993 Ankara University Faculty of Medicine
Career

Experience

  • 2023 Acibadem Health Group
  • 2023 Memorial Sisli Hospital
  • 2010 – 2022 Acibadem International Hospital
  • 2008 – 2009 Baskent University Istanbul Hospital
  • 2005 – 2007 Yeditepe University Hospital
  • 2003 – 2005 Akdeniz University Hospital
  • 2002 – 2003 Baylor College of Medicine
  • 1998 – 2002 Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Subspecialization in Nephrology
  • 1994 – 1998 Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Internal Medicine Residency
  • 1993 – 1994 Kırşehir Merkez Health Center No. 1, Compulsory Service
Affiliations

Professional Memberships

  • European Renal Associaton-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA)
  • International Society of Nephrology
  • Turkish Society of Nephrology
  • TIGED Transplantation Immunology and Genetics Society
  • American Society of Nephrology
Research

Selected Publications

  • Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes of Standard and Transvaginal Kidney Extraction in Laparoscopic Living Donor Nephrectomy J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2021 Jan 20. doi: 10.1089/lap.2020.0949. PMID: 33471592 Karayagiz AH, Ozdemir E, Besli S, Polatkan SAV, Yilmaz G, Erturk T, Cakir U, Berber I.
  • Therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in intensive care unit: a retrospective study Crit Care. 2020 Aug 8;24(1):492. doi: 10.1186/s13054-020-03215-8. PMID: 32771054; PMCID: PMC7414262. Gucyetmez B, Atalan HK, Sertdemir I, Cakir U, Telci L; COVID-19 Study Group.
  • Transplantation of a Blue Kidney: A Case Report. Transplant Proc. 2019 May;51(4):1190-1192. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.01.091. Epub 2019 Feb 8. PMID: 30982642. Nokay E, Erturk T, Karayagiz AH, Ozdemir E, Baba ZF, Nokay HG, Cakir U, Berber I.
  • Effect of Obesity on Clinical Outcomes of Kidney Transplant Patients Transplant Proc. 2019 May;51(4):1093-1095. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.02.012. Epub 2019 Feb 21. PMID: 31101178. Erturk T, Berber I, Cakir U.
  • Geographic Distribution of Multiple Arteries and Veins of 878 Kidney Donors From a Transplant Center in Turkey. Transplant Proc. 2019 May;51(4):1086-1088. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.01.100. Epub 2019 Feb 8. PMID: 31101176. Cenal U, Erturk T, Karayagiz AH, Ozdemir E, Polatkan SV, Cakir U, Berber I.
  • Fabry Disease Prevalence in Renal Replacement Therapy in Turkey Dheir H, Cakir U, et al. Nephron. 2019;142(1):26-33. doi:10.1159/000496620. Epub 2019 Feb 8. PMID: 30739116. Yalın SF, Eren N, Sinangil A, Yilmaz VT, Tatar E, Ucar AR, Sevinc M, Can Ö, Gurkan A, Arik N, Alisir Ecder S, Uyar M, Yasar M, Gulcicek S, Mese M,
  • Evaluation of Bone Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Transplant Proc. 2017 Apr;49(3):509-511. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.01.040. PMID: 28340823. Alis G, Alis M, Erturk T, Karayagiz AH, Berber I, Cakir U.
  • Role of Everolimus on Cardiac Functions in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Transplant Proc. 2017 Apr;49(3):497-500. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.02.007. PMID: 28340820. Cakir U, Alis G, Erturk T, Karayagiz AH, Karabulut U, Berber I.
  • Comparison of Two Different Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy With Vaginal Extraction Techniques-A Single- Center Experience Transplant Proc. 2017 Apr;49(3):411-414. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.01.035. PMID: 28340802. Karayagiz AH, Erturk T, Cakir U, Berber I.
  • The frequency and severity of metabolic acidosis related to topiramate J Int Med Res. 2016 Oct 26. pii: 0300060516669897. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID:27789806. Türe H, Keskin Ö, Cakir U, Aykut Bingöl C, Türe U.
Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dr. Ülkem Çakır's specialty?
Dr. Ülkem Çakır is a specialist in Nephrology at Acibadem. For a personalised assessment, the Acibadem international patient team can review your medical history and reports and explain the suitable next steps.
Which hospital does Dr. Ülkem Çakır practise at?
Dr. Ülkem Çakır sees patients at Acibadem Atasehir Hospital in İstanbul. The international patient team can confirm current availability and help you plan a consultation or visit.
What languages can I use when consulting Dr. Ülkem Çakır?
Consultations with Dr. Ülkem Çakır are supported in Turkish and English. In addition, Acibadem provides multilingual coordination and interpreter support so international patients can communicate clearly throughout their care.
How can I book an appointment with Dr. Ülkem Çakır?
You can request an appointment with Dr. Ülkem Çakır using the appointment form on this page, or by contacting the Acibadem international patient team by phone or WhatsApp. After you share your details, the team checks availability and confirms your appointment, usually within 24 hours.
Is an online video consultation available with Dr. Ülkem Çakır?
Yes. Dr. Ülkem Çakır offers online video consultations, so you can discuss your condition and reports with the specialist before making any travel arrangements. The international patient team can help you schedule a secure video visit.
How many years of experience does Dr. Ülkem Çakır have?
Dr. Ülkem Çakır has around 33 years of professional experience in Nephrology. A summary of education, experience and professional memberships is available on this page.
Can international patients arrange treatment with Dr. Ülkem Çakır?
Yes. Acibadem supports international patients end to end — from the first consultation and treatment planning through appointment scheduling, interpretation during the stay and follow-up after returning home. Sharing your case for an initial assessment is free of charge.
How do I get a second opinion involving Dr. Ülkem Çakır?
You can request an independent review of your diagnosis and proposed treatment. Share your medical reports through the consultation or "Ask a Doctor" form on this site, and the team will arrange a specialist review and explain the available options.
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Acibadem Hospitals Group modern hospital buildings illuminated at night, showcasing advanced healthc.
Acibadem Atasehir Hospitalİstanbul · Hospital
Departments

Medical Units

Medical Unit
Nephrology Department
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