Assoc. Prof. Özlem Akgün Doğan, MD

Assoc. Prof. Özlem Akgün Doğan, MD is a specialist in Pediatric Genetic Diseases at Acibadem Altunizade Hospital in İstanbul. She has more than 20 years of experience in medicine and works with children and families affected by genetic conditions. Her clinical interests include achondroplasia, Rett syndrome and Turner syndrome.

Dr. Doğan graduated from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine in 2006. She completed her training in Child Health and Diseases at Dr. Sami Ulus Obstetrics and Gynecology, Child Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital in 2011 and went on to complete training in Pediatric Genetic Diseases at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine in 2017. She has worked at Acıbadem Healthcare Services since 2021. She is a member of the Pediatric Genetic Diseases Association and the European Society of Human Genetics. Her published work includes co-authored studies on genetic panel screening and next-generation sequencing in monogenic systemic autoinflammatory diseases, clinical descriptions of rare conditions such as Peters Plus syndrome and H syndrome, rare chromosomal rearrangements, and SARS-CoV-2 sequencing and saliva-based testing in Istanbul.

Clinical focus

Dr. Doğan’s clinical work centers on the evaluation and follow-up of children with genetic conditions. In achondroplasia, a genetic condition affecting bone growth, her role includes assessing the clinical features, discussing genetic testing where appropriate and helping families understand the diagnosis. In Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental genetic condition, evaluation may involve reviewing the developmental history, considering genetic testing and coordinating with other pediatric specialists involved in the child’s care. In Turner syndrome, a chromosomal condition, assessment typically includes confirming the diagnosis through genetic testing and discussing which aspects of health may need monitoring over time.

Because a genetic diagnosis can affect several aspects of a child’s health, evaluation and follow-up may involve other pediatric specialties. Dr. Doğan discusses findings with families in a way that explains what a result does and does not mean, and outlines the options for further testing or follow-up. Each child’s situation is different, and recommendations depend on the individual clinical picture and the results available.

How Dr. Doğan works with international patients

Dr. Doğan consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as genetic test results, laboratory results, X-ray or MRI reports, previous clinical assessments and discharge summaries, and arranges appointments and the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the child’s history and symptoms, a review of existing test results and previous treatments, a clinical examination and a discussion of the options. Video consultation is available for international patients and may be used for an initial discussion or to review existing reports before a family decides whether a visit to İstanbul is appropriate.