We learned of the passing of Professor Yücel Tümer on January 30, 2021, at the age of 80 in Ankara, Turkey.
Yücel Tümer was born in Balıkesir, Turkey in 1939. In 1956, he moved to Turkey’s capital city of Ankara, where he attended Ankara University Medical School. He graduated from medical school in 1962 and began his internship at Gülhane Military Medical Academy, as a military doctor. Dr. Tümer then worked for two years as a general practitioner at the Haydarpaşa Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, before returning to Gülhane Military Medical Academy for residency training in Orthopedics and Traumatology between 1965 and 1969. He then spent two years as the chief assistant at that same clinic.
In 1972, Dr. Tümer passed the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Exam, which allowed him to accept an invitation from Professor Albert Ferguson, the Chairman of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Orthopedic Surgery, to pursue residency training in the United States. Following his orthopedic surgery residency training in Pittsburgh, Dr. Tümer returned to Ankara, where he was appointed as an Associate Professor in Orthopedics and Traumatology at the Ankara Military Hospital in 1976. He transferred to the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Orthopaedics and Traumatology Clinic in 1978, where he worked as a Professor until his retirement in 1983.
After retiring from Ankara University, Professor Tümer continued to work in private practice. Throughout his career, he established himself as one of the most prominent orthopedic surgeons and pioneers of modern pediatric and spine surgery in Turkey. He was also a prolific scientific investigator and authored many influential papers in his field. Professor Tümer was recognized internationally for his treatment algorithm for developmental dysplasia of the hip, a topic of interest of his since residency training under Professor Ferguson at the University of Pittsburgh. Professor Ferguson’s model of mentorship had a profound influence on the way Professor Tümer mentored his own pupils throughout his career. Even in the private sector, he always had a dedication for teaching, leadership, and mentorship. A former resident of his, Dr. Mehmet Binnet, describes him as a graceful and assertive teacher, who forever touched the professional and social lives of his practice partners and students alike. Dr. Binnet also travelled to the University of Pittsburgh for a fellowship under Dr. Freddie Fu in 1992 before going on to become a Professor and Chair at the University of Ankara Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology himself. Dr. Binnet remembers Professor Tümer as an inspirational and motivating mentor who will be celebrated for his contributions to the orthopedic community.
A few alumni and faculty from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Orthopedic Surgery have shared their memories of working with Professor Tümer as well:
“I will always remember Yücel for his exceptional service to me and my patients. He had the quality of being both a student and a teacher—-a remarkable trait!”
Peter Cohen, Pitt Orthopedic Surgery Class of ’68
“Great doctor and a gifted surgeon. He was a leader in Turkish Orthopaedics and his former residents have taken leadership roles nationally and internationally.”
Carl Stanitski, Pitt Orthopedic Surgery Class of ‘74
“He was highly regarded for his technical expertise and as a good physician. I remember that Dr. Ferguson was grateful for his significant contributions to the residency program.”
Richard Ray, Pitt Orthopedic Surgery Class of ‘74
“He was the best of my chief residents during my first year. He truly made us think as he taught us.”
Graham Johnstone , Pitt Orthopedic Surgery Class of ‘77
“He struck me as a kind, gentle man – he made his mark.”
Pierce Scranton, Pitt Orthopedic Surgery Class of ‘77
“He was very competent, and a good man.”
Timothy Ward, Professor, Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Professor Yücel Tümer, a cherished surgeon, leader, and mentor, will be greatly missed by all who knew him.