Professor Bulent Berkarda is a pioneering figure in the field of medical oncology, renowned as the first medical oncologist in Turkey. With a career spanning several decades, his contributions have left an indelible mark on both the medical community and the lives of countless patients.

Born with a passion for healing, Prof. Berkarda embarked on his journey in medicine, graduating with distinction from Istanbul University, School of Medicine. His unwavering dedication to patient care led him to specialize in oncology at University of Rochester, USA a field that was not yet established in Turkey at the time.

Over the years, Prof. Berkarda’s tireless efforts transformed the landscape of oncology in Turkey. He founded the Department of Medical Oncology at Istanbul University in 1974, the first department of medical oncology of Turkey. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Turkish Society of Oncology and the Turkish Society of Chemotherapy. His commitment to improving cancer care led to improved survival rates and a higher quality of life for patients across the country.

In addition to his clinical work, Prof. Berkarda is a respected educator, mentoring generations of aspiring oncologists. He served as the Dean of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty (1979 – 1982) and the President of Istanbul University (1994 – 1998). His academic contributions, including numerous publications and lectures, have earned him international recognition.

Since 2010, Prof. Berkarda has focused on researching complementary methods of cancer treatment to be used alongside the standard orthodox therapeutic protocols, especially for Stage IV patients for who chemotherapy alone is usually ineffective. More specifically, he has been investigating the roles of diet, nutraceuticals, hyperthermia and insulin potentiated chemotherapy to balance the limitations of standard treatment protocols.

Today, Prof. Berkarda stands as a symbol of excellence in the field of medical oncology in Turkey, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, innovation, and hope for patients and healthcare professionals alike.