Süha Alzafer, MD

Süha Alzafer, MD is a Pulmonary Medicine specialist working in the Pulmonology unit at Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital in İstanbul, Türkiye. Dr. Alzafer’s clinical work covers a broad range of respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections, pulmonary embolism, lung nodules, and lung cancer and other thoracic cancers. Alongside respiratory medicine, Dr. Alzafer has a subspecialty interest in the treatment of obesity. Dr. Alzafer has more than 34 years in medicine.

Dr. Alzafer graduated from İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1992 and completed specialty training in Chest Diseases at the same faculty in 1998. From 1998 to 2000, Dr. Alzafer also studied in the İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology. Dr. Alzafer joined Acıbadem Healthcare Services in 1998 and has practiced within the group since then. Professional memberships include the Toraks Association, the Avrupa Toraks Association, the Akciğer Kanserleri Association and the Respiratory Research Association. Dr. Alzafer’s published work includes a paper on the role of genetics in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in The European Respiratory Journal (1997), a study on ultrasonographic measurement of diaphragm movements in COPD in the Turkish Journal of Radiology (1995), and a congress presentation on intrapleural streptokinase in complicated parapneumonic pleural disease and empyema (1997).

Clinical focus

Dr. Alzafer assesses and manages patients with chronic airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as acute respiratory problems including pneumonia, other lower respiratory tract infections and pulmonary embolism. Evaluation of lung nodules and the assessment of patients with lung cancer and other thoracic cancers also form part of the clinical work, with care planned according to each patient’s findings and overall condition.

More generally, Dr. Alzafer sees patients with a wide spectrum of lung diseases, offering pulmonary disease treatment based on the patient’s history, examination and available test results. In addition, Dr. Alzafer has a subspecialty interest in obesity treatment, which may be relevant for patients whose weight affects their respiratory health. The approach that is appropriate in an individual case depends on the diagnosis, the stage or severity of the condition and any other medical problems the patient may have.

How Dr. Alzafer works with international patients

Dr. Alzafer consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who speak other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as CT, X-ray or MRI reports, laboratory and pathology results, operative notes and discharge summaries, and arranges appointments and the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and symptoms, a review of existing imaging and previous treatments, a clinical examination and a discussion of the options that may be suitable. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their situation with Dr. Alzafer before deciding whether to travel.