Renowned Surgeon Bids Farewell after Saving Countless Lives
Renowned Turkish Organ Transplant Surgeon, Didem Seymen Demirbaş, Passes Away
The world of medicine has suffered a great loss with the passing of Dr. Didem Seymen Demirbaş, a pioneer in organ transplantation. Dr. Demirbaş made significant contributions to the field of organ transplantation throughout her career, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Dr. Demirbaş achieved several groundbreaking milestones in the field of organ transplantation in Turkey. She performed the first tissue-incompatible kidney transplant, the first blood group incompatible kidney transplant, simultaneous bypass and kidney transplant, as well as the first kidney-pancreas transplant program and the first liver transplant with a cadaver donor and living donor in Antalya. Her innovative and pioneering work has undoubtedly saved countless lives and advanced the field of organ transplantation in the country.
Tragically, Dr. Demirbaş was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and underwent surgery. However, she recently succumbed to a Covid infection while in the hospital. Her passing has left a void in the medical community, and she will be deeply missed by her colleagues, friends, and the countless patients whose lives she impacted.
In accordance with her will, Dr. Demirbaş’s official funeral ceremony did not take place. Instead, she was laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by her family and Akdeniz University Rector, Prof. Dr. Özlenen Özkan. The medical community mourns the loss of a true pioneer and leader in organ transplantation.
Dr. Didem Seymen Demirbaş’s contributions to the field of organ transplantation have left an indelible mark, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of medical professionals. Rest in peace, Dr. Demirbaş. Your pioneering work and compassion will never be forgotten.
