Derya Akbaba
SICOT Associate Member
Hello, my name is Derya Akbaba, and I am honored to share my journey with you.
I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, a city where history and modernity intertwine. I discovered my passion during my high school years, inspired by the resilience of those around me and a deep desire to make a tangible difference in lives. Motivated by this goal, I worked diligently and earned a place at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, where I completed my medical education in the English Medicine Department. After fulfilling a six-month mandatory service as a general practitioner, I returned to Cerrahpasa to begin my residency in Orthopaedics and Traumatology—a decision that has been one of the most transformative and fulfilling of my life.
The first three years of medical school were a time of exploration and uncertainity. Like many students, I grappled with choosing a specialty that aligned with both my skills and my heart. That clarity began to emerge during my fourth-year clinical practice courses, where I discovered a growing fascination with the dynamism of surgery. Everything changed in my fifth-year rotation in orthopaedics when I observed Prof. Ünlü perform a total hip arthroplasty. The procedure itself was a masterclass in balancing strength, strategy, and meticulous precision. But what truly astonished me was seeing the patient walk confidently the very next day. The rapid restoration of mobility —a fusion of science and artistry—left me in awe. In that moment, I knew orthopaedics was my calling: a field where transformative outcomes are tangible, immediate, and life- altering. From that moment onward, my dedication to orthopaedics has only grown stronger.
My residency in Orthopaedics and Traumatology has been defined not only by growth but by extraordinary mentorship. Early in my training, I found myself drawn to the complexity and artistry of spine surgery—a passion further ignited by the guidance of my esteemed department chair, Prof. Dr. Önder Aydıngöz - one of the foremost spine surgeons. His belief in my potential has been transformative. Under his mentorship, I’ve delved into the intricacies of spinal pathologies, refined my surgical approach, and learned to balance technical precision with the nuanced needs of each patient. Prof. Aydıngöz’s support extends far beyond the operating room. Recognizing the value of global perspectives, he has championed my participation in international congresses and fellowship programs, where I’ve collaborated with experts worldwide and absorbed cutting-edge techniques. These experiences have reshaped my understanding of spine care, emphasizing innovation while staying rooted in compassion.
Orthopaedics has provided me with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. It has empowered me to seek out the most challenging yet rewarding paths, strengthening me both mentally and physically. While the journey of a female orthopaedist is often perceived as challenging, I have confidently navigated this path, motivated by the belief that orthopaedics is a field defined not by gender but by skill, determination, and passion. Initiatives like the SICOT Women in Orthopaedics (WiO) platform, which foster international collaboration and empower female orthopaedic surgeons worldwide, have further solidified my resolve. These efforts have eradicated any initial concerns I had about gender underrepresentation in the field.
Beyond my clinical responsibilities, I am deeply committed to research and academic contribution. I am particularly interested in sports injuries, and I actively participate in studies and projects to enhance patient care and contribute to scientific advancement. Additionally, I believe in the importance of mentorship and take pride in supporting aspiring orthopaedists, especially those early in their journey.
As a senior resident approaching specialization, being a part of organizations like SICOT and contributing to this kind of platform has been a privilege. At the 2024 SICOT Congress, I had the honor of giving presentations, being a panelist at the SICOT WiO symposium, and engaging with the Young Surgeons Committee. These experiences allowed me to connect with inspiring female surgeons on a global scale, reaffirming my belief in the collective strength of our community.
Looking forward, I remain dedicated to advancing my expertise in orthopaedics, particularly in spine surgery and sports injuries, while continuing to support and inspire the next generation of surgeons. I am driven by the belief that the field of orthopaedics offers limitless opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration.
 With Prof Dr Önder Aydıngöz |
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