Prof. Uğur Özbek, MD

Prof. Uğur Özbek, MD is a specialist in Medical Genetics who practices in the Medical Genetics Department at Acibadem Maslak Hospital and Acibadem Altunizade Hospital, both located in İstanbul. His clinical work centers on the evaluation of genetic health concerns, including genetic diagnosis, diagnostic genetic evaluation and genetic counseling for patients and, where relevant, their families. With more than 40 years in medicine, he brings extensive experience in the field to the assessment of patients referred for genetic evaluation.

Dr. Özbek graduated from İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 1986. He completed his specialist training in Medical Genetics at the same faculty in 2006. He joined Acıbadem Healthcare Services in 2023 and sees patients at both the Maslak and Altunizade locations. Care in his practice is guided by the individual genetic evaluation needs of each patient.

Clinical focus

Dr. Özbek sees patients with known or suspected genetic conditions and those who have been referred for a diagnostic genetic evaluation. A typical evaluation begins with a detailed review of the patient’s personal and family medical history, followed by a clinical assessment and, where appropriate, a discussion of which genetic tests may help clarify the diagnosis. Genetic diagnosis is approached step by step, and test results are interpreted in the context of the patient’s overall clinical picture rather than in isolation.

Genetic counseling is a central part of his work. This includes explaining what a genetic finding means, what it may imply for the patient and for relatives, and what options exist for further evaluation or follow-up. Dr. Özbek aims to present this information in plain language so that patients can understand the possible implications and take part in decisions about any next steps. Not every question can be answered with a single test, and he is careful to describe the limits of what a genetic evaluation can and cannot determine.

How Dr. Özbek works with international patients

Dr. Özbek consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who speak other languages. Before a visit, the international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as laboratory and pathology results, any previous genetic test reports, MRI, CT, X-ray or ultrasound reports, operative notes and discharge summaries. The team also arranges appointments and organizes 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, which in a genetics setting may include whether further testing is advisable. Video consultation is available for international patients and can be used for an initial discussion or for reviewing results after an evaluation has been completed.