Prof. Dr. Bülent Berkarda is widely regarded as Türkiye’s first medical oncologist and one of the founding figures of the field. Across a career spanning decades, he has left a lasting mark both on the medical community and on the lives of countless patients.

Driven by a passion for healing, Prof. Dr. Berkarda graduated with honors from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine. His dedication to patient care led him to pursue specialty training in oncology at the University of Rochester in the United States, at a time when the discipline had not yet been established in Türkiye.

Through years of tireless work, he transformed the landscape of oncology in Türkiye. In 1974 he founded the country’s first Department of Medical Oncology at Istanbul University. He also played a leading role in establishing the Turkish Society of Medical Oncology and the Turkish Society of Chemotherapy. His commitment to advancing cancer care has contributed to longer survival and better quality of life for patients across the country.

Alongside his clinical work, Prof. Dr. Berkarda is a respected educator who has mentored generations of oncologists. He served as Dean of Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine (1979 – 1982) and as Rector of Istanbul University (1994 – 1998). He is internationally recognized for his extensive scientific publications and lectures.

Since 2010, he has continued his research into complementary cancer treatment methods, particularly for stage IV patients, for whom standard treatment protocols alone often prove insufficient. Within this work he examines the roles of nutrition, nutraceuticals, hyperthermia, and insulin-supported chemotherapy in offsetting the limitations of conventional protocols.

Today, Prof. Dr. Berkarda stands as a symbol of excellence in medical oncology in Türkiye, continuing to leave behind a lasting legacy of compassion, innovation, and hope for patients and healthcare professionals alike.