Dr Elif Akşahin is an obstetrician-gynaecologist with a special interest in reproductive endocrinology and menopause care. A graduate of Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, she balances clinical practice with academic research, focusing on fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and hormonal health in midlife. She is an active member of the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS), where she contributes to the Junior Mentorship Programme. Dr Akşahin is deeply committed to combining compassionate patient care with scientific progress, always striving to make a meaningful impact in women’s health.
In this Future Leader Q&A, she reflects on the mentors who shaped her journey, the lessons learned from serving as the sole obstetrician-gynaecologist in a remote district during her government service, and the profound fulfillment of helping a cancer survivor become a mother. Her perspective highlights how clinical excellence and emotional insight together define meaningful progress in women’s health.
I have been fortunate to receive guidance from several outstanding mentors throughout my journey. One of them is Prof. Hakan Seyisoğlu, a distinguished figure in reproductive medicine and menopause. His deep knowledge and ability to guide with clarity have been a constant source of inspiration. Whenever I faced uncertainty, his wisdom helped me regain focus and direction, shaping both my clinical thinking and academic growth. I also owe much to Prof. Fuat Demirkıran, my thesis advisor, whose disciplined approach to work and commitment to continuous learning taught me the importance of staying scientifically current. His example showed me that being dedicated to evidence-based medicine and ongoing education should always remain central to my career.
One of the most challenging periods in my journey was my mandatory government service after residency. I was assigned to a district where I served as the only obstetrician-gynecologist. Being far from my family and familiar surroundings, I had to quickly adapt to a new environment and take full responsibility for patient care while coping with an intense workload. This experience taught me how to manage time and stress effectively, make critical decisions independently, and maintain confidence even in high-pressure situations. Most importantly, it helped me grow both personally and professionally. What began as a demanding assignment ended with countless lives touched and left a lasting impact on the kind of doctor I have become.
One of the most unforgettable and rewarding moments in my career was witnessing a cancer survivor become a mother. I had followed a patient with breast cancer from the very beginning of her journey. Before she started chemotherapy, we performed ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Once her cancer treatment was completed, we surgically reimplanted the preserved tissue. From that point on, I saw her every week, closely monitoring her process. I witnessed the very first signs of hormonal activity, the return of her menstrual cycles, and even the moment her hot flashes began to subside. We built a unique bond throughout this process, forged through trust, shared hope, and persistence. Months later, she conceived. Being by her side at the birth, after all we had been through together, was one of the most meaningful and emotional moments of my life. It was a powerful reminder of why I chose this profession: to help restore not just health, but hope.
Working closely with patients has taught me that medicine is rarely black and white. Every patient has a unique story, and each clinical encounter is a new narrative. I’ve learned to value listening, observation and empathy as much as scientific knowledge. As physicians, we are given the privilege to be part of people’s most vulnerable moments. This has deepened my appreciation for compassionate care. I strive to understand not only the disease but the person behind it. Practicing empathy and emotional awareness has become an essential part of how I treat and connect with my patients.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchENDOCRINOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Akşahin. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Cite: Q&A with Dr Elif Akşahin: touchENDOCRINOLOGY Future Leader 2025. touchENDOCRINOLOGY. July 31, 2025.
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