Özlem Altay Yücel, MD

Özlem Altay Yücel, MD is a pediatrician at Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital in İstanbul, where she works in the Pediatrics unit. Her practice covers the health of newborns, infants, children and adolescents, with particular attention to newborn follow-up, nutrition monitoring and the common illnesses of childhood.

Dr. Yücel studied medicine at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine between 1992 and 1998. She then trained in pediatrics at İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine Department of Child Health and Diseases, completing her specialization in 2003. She worked at İstanbul Vatan Hospital from 2003 to 2004 before joining Acıbadem Healthcare Services in 2004. She is a member of Türk Pediatri Kurumu. Her published work, presented at national pediatric congresses and in pediatric journals, includes studies on febrile convulsions in infancy, congenital metabolic diseases and hypoglycemia, the effect of exclusive breastfeeding on the frequency of infections and anemia in the first six months, immunization acquired through hospitalization, and case reports on cretinism as a treatable cause of mental retardation.

Clinical focus

Dr. Yücel provides general pediatric assessment and follow-up from the newborn period through adolescence. In the first weeks of life, her work includes newborn follow-up, the evaluation of newborn jaundice and the management of infant colic. As children grow, she monitors nutrition and feeding, and she assesses and treats iron deficiency and anemia in children, which may be related to diet, growth or other causes that are reviewed on an individual basis.

Her clinical interests also include constipation in children, urinary incontinence in children, upper respiratory tract illnesses and scarlet fever. Areas she regularly addresses are:

• Child and adolescent health
• Newborn follow-up and newborn jaundice
• Infant colic
• Child nutrition monitoring
• Constipation in children
• Iron deficiency and anemia in children
• Urinary incontinence in children
• Upper respiratory tract illnesses in children
• Scarlet fever

Where a child’s history or examination raises concerns beyond general pediatrics, the findings are discussed with the family and further evaluation is arranged as appropriate.

How Dr. Yücel works with international patients

Dr. Yücel consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for families who speak other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as ultrasound or X-ray reports, laboratory and pathology results, 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 with the family. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their child’s situation before travelling or to follow up after a visit.